Ad Populos, Non Aditus, Pervenimus Published Every Thursday Since September 3, 1890 (908) 232-4407 USPS 680020 Thursday, November 19, 2009 OUR 119th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 47-2009 Periodical – Postage Paid at Rahway, N.J. www.goleader.com
[email protected] SIXTY CENTS BOE: Health Insurance Hikes Could Lead to Layoffs in District By CHRISTINA M. HINKE last five years to combat rising pre- receive insurance as well as does Specially Written for The Westfield Leader miums, according to Board Presi- their replacement. Premiums in the WESTFIELD – The town’s board dent Ginny Leiz. Although she said Westfield school district are lower of education stressed concerns over she acknowledged the staff for sup- than average, Mr. Lawrie said, and rising healthcare costs as it heard an porting the board’s decision to the percentage of health insurance to update on the current school year’s, change carriers, she said she under- the operating budget is “typical.” 2009-2010, school budget, which was stood “it’s not easy [for the insured] The district offers staff an indem- presented on Tuesday. to change carriers.” nity or a point of service (POS) plan, Over the last eight school calen- Last year the district switched from with a majority of staff (about 70 dar years, health insurance costs have Cigna to Horizon Blue Cross Blue percent) opting for the POS, which is increased about 5 percent when com- Shield to save over $1 million, ac- offered at a lower cost than the in- pared to the district’s total operating cording to the district’s insurance demnity plan.