Board hears update on health insurance

FARMINGTON – The Farmington Board of Education met Tuesday to hear an update on the new health insurance, instructional technology and the end of the year teacher recognitions.
Farmington Board of Education President Angie Hahn said finding a new superintendent has been an exhausting job and said the board has done an excellent job. They thanked Board Secretary Brenda Trask and MSBA Superintendent Search Consultant Dr. Jerry Waddle who helped in the search as well as Board Members Ben Davis and Howard Hoehn who showed candidates around and went to other districts to visit their districts.
Director of Business Services Don Eaton gave a report to the board on the district insurance. The District Insurance/Benefits Advisory Group met on Feb. 6 and Feb. 27 to review and discuss employee benefits of the district. The primary focus is the recommendation of the district’s health insurance coverage for the next plan year beginning July 1.
The group reviewed the plan information for the new Anthem Health Marketplace, which is now being offered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. The marketplace includes four families of plans, with eight plan choices for each family.
Eaton said the advisory board hopes to have premium amounts from Anthem within the next month so he can present the recommendations to the board at the April board meeting.
Instructional Technology Instructor Ron Farrow discussed technology updates and said students got a Gmail account this year and a Google drive. Farrow gave a presentation to the board on how students can now do their presentations using Google.
Farrow is also the CTA President and said they are doing a presentation on Tuesday for the End of Year staff recognition and the retirement dinner will be held April 29 at Lincoln Intermediate.
The board voted to approve the minutes, regular bills for March 2013, financial auditor bids, January free and reduced eligible student count, Jolly Jumps contract and the selection of the project manager and engineering for FEMA project.  
Washington Franklin Principal Shana Turner recognized Melissa Pritchett and Karie Hand who are the Heartland Heroes for this month. They are two volunteers at Washington Franklin and have been working hard on the Knight Time Snack program.
Gay Reed is the Featured Teacher for this month. Turner worked with her for five years as a fourth grade teacher before becoming principal.