Teachers from all over Northeaast Arkansas recently attended a public meeting regarding the proposed insurance changes. 

DANIEL CARMICHAEL – Hoof Prints Staff

Outrageous. Insane. Unfair. Worried. These are the thoughts that go through many of the school employee’s mind when they heard of the increase in insurance rates.

“It’s terrible,” said high school secretary Peg Holland, “We are only working to get insurance.”

When the proposed insurance policy takes place, many of the staff could end up owing the school money from their paycheck.

The insurance is controlled by EBD, a state provider of insurance. The school workers get the same plans as the state employees, but more money is provided for the state employees than for school employees.

“That is what is so infuriating,” said Tracey Yates.

A state employee will only have to pay $400, whereas for school employees have to pay $1500 for the same family policy.

The proposed plan shows the largest spike in rates for insurance in any field of work. The increase is a rise of 48%.

The employees that are most affected by the insurance increase are the classified workers, which includes the cafeteria staff and custodians. These members of the school make barely enough money to get by, but with the increase on insurance, they could end up bringing almost anything home from their paycheck.

“It will affect people who have to raise their children by themselves the most,” said Carolyn Tilley, school staff.

“We have to have these people to run a school,” said Yates. “Why would you work if you’re going to end up owing the school money?”

Recently, several staff went to Little Rock to attend a meeting to show their determination for legislators to provide some relief.

“A senator said that he has never received as many phone calls and emails in his entire career as he has about this issue,” said Yates. “We are being listened to.”