Slate of pacts approved for renewal by D87 board

Included in a slate of contracts approved by the District 87 Board of Education on Tuesday, May 28, are student insurance and building lease renewals. Student accident insurance costs will decrease by 2.5 percent under the 2024-25 renewal. The $95, 100 contract with long-time provider AIG provides comprehensive coverage for students participating in school sponsored activities and sports. Premiums are based on the district's claim history. Additionally, students participating in Illinois High School Association sanctioned athletic events are covered under a separate catastrophic coverage policy issued by Gerber Life Insurance Company. Renewal costs remain unchanged at $3.10 per student athlete. Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Seth Chapman said the projected number of athletes is 3, 703, indicating an estimated $11, 479 premium.

The policy's $5 million maximum benefit exceeds a state minimum requirement of $3 million per occurrence.

In addition, the policy covers student managers, student athletic trainers, marching band members, cheerleaders and dance team, special Olympics basketball, and track and field participants.

The board also approved a renewal contract covering a Directions program lease with DuPage Area Occupational Education System (DAOES). "Prior to the June 2012 negotiation with DAOES, Glenbard was paying twice as much as the current lease, as well as had significant gymnasium and parking restrictions," said Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Janet Cook. "The past years have revealed a successful relationship with DAOES as landlord and Directions as the tenant."

The lease includes sufficient gym and parking access, as well as a possible extension through 2027. The 2024-25 cost will increase 4 percent over the current $65, 879, and future contracts will increase according to the Consumer Price Index.

A lease dating back to 2015 also will renew, allowing Transitions students to continue using a DAOES greenhouse for vocational training.

The 5, 148 square-foot horticulture building on the campus of Technology Center of DuPage is located on Swift Road in Addison.

Transition students also will continue benefitting from the board's move to renew a contract with Parents Alliance Employment Project (PAEP) that covers one employment specialist. The $145, 800 contract reflects a 3 percent increase over the current year and covers the cost of one full-time vocational transition specialist. The district has an option to renew at the same rate in 2025.

The specialist provides job training, placement, interviewing and job shadowing for selected students.

Assisting with the oversight of established vocational training sites, the specialist provides functional, on the job skill assessment, reports student progress and develops plans for natural supports.

"In the last few years, a larger number of students have been dependent on employer-paid jobs in the area," said Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Janet Cook.

In addition to the specialist's $144, 800 salary, PAEP applies a $60.75 per hour rate for additional services.

PAEP is a non-profit organization accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and provides the district with supports and links for students with disabilities.

Administrators at the four district high schools select students based on a response to intervention process. The program is designed to provide a smaller, more personalized school setting and prepare students for career and college goals.

The board also approved a wellness screening renewal. The district has contracted with Empower Health for several years, providing employees with health risk assessments and biometric screening.

Employee participation in 2017 totaled 271 for screenings, and 243 for flu vaccines. The number of participants dropped to 184 and 190, respectively, in 2023.

"Reports have shown an effective wellness program can have a significant impact on employee health and future health insurance claims by early detection, when addressed and action steps are taken," said Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Josh Chambers.

The biometric screening services include blood testing, blood pressure reading and consultation, and body mass index reports. Additional fees, if requested by the district, include further reporting at $150 per hour, and data transfers at $150 per transfer.

"Empower Health has provided three packaged prices for consideration," said Plan Consultant Catherine Loney. "Upon thorough review of the increased percentage of glucose readings, along with the number of individuals who registered to have their A1c test run and the increase in elevated A1c readings, consideration was given to offering option two which includes the Panel C plus the A1c for all participants." If the district had opted to offer Panel C alone, the cost would have been $112 per participant. Based on last year's participation level, the estimated total would be $20, 608. Additionally, the district would pay $35 per person requesting the A1c, the total cost $22, 498. However, the board approved a combined Panel C plus A1c for all participants, the total cost $22, 448.