Dive Brief:
- School employee benefits are undergoing big, if glacially-paced, shifts, as states and districts grapple with underfunded pension plans and benefit structures.
- Some states and districts have begun to experiment with plans that give educators more control over their retirement investments, but change is slow due to political and economic realities.
- California has made substantial shifts in the health benefits it offers, cutting health benefits to older teachers in return for a monthly income.
Dive Insight:
Many of the factors that influence school employee benefits remain outside district or even state control. The Obama-backed shifts in federal health insurance could have big impacts on school districts and what health plans they're allowed to offer. But, as District Administration reports, there's some room for innovation. Districts have begun to experiment with health and fitness initiatives that reward employees for healthy behaviors. For example, Upper Moreland Township School District in Pennsylvania offers optional glucose and blood pressure testing and nutritional coaching to employees. As a way to sweeten the deal, the district offers gift cards to employees who participate.
