Red River United, a dedicated advocate for school employees’ rights, ignited a powerful opposition movement against the proposed measure by the Caddo Parish School Board. Their mobilization surged following revelations hinting at an imminent surge in insurance costs.
At the heart of the proposal was the depletion of insurance reserves, attributed to a shift in the employee-to-retiree ratio within the district. This prompted the board to consider rebuilding reserves, potentially burdening employees with increased medical insurance costs of up to $1000, presenting a significant financial strain.
Highlighting an overlooked aspect, Red River United emphasized a $25 million trust established in 2008 for post-employee expenses. They questioned why these funds weren’t utilized, especially given the district’s proximity to the ‘safe harbor’ provision, suggesting that the reserves might align with recommended levels, potentially diminishing the necessity for such a substantial employee contribution.
Responding to these developments, Red River United strategically organized a pre-meeting protest, aiming to amplify the collective concerns of employees. This demonstration, set against the backdrop of the holiday season, underscored the importance of citizen advocacy within a democratic society.
The protest aimed to spotlight perceived elitism within the Central Office and advocate for equitable treatment and respect for all employees. Red River United stood firm on workplace dignity, rallying employees to join in collective action to foster dialogue and drive meaningful change.
Transitioning to the subsequent board meeting, emotions ran high as teachers, support personnel, and various employees passionately expressed their apprehensions regarding the proposed insurance rate hike. Holding signs outside the School Board office, they urged reconsideration or outright rejection of the impending insurance cost increment.
Signs displaying sentiments like “Preserve Our Pay Raise” and “Say No to the Vote” punctuated the protest, reflecting the concerns shared among employees anticipating a steep 15% surge in insurance rates, coupled with doubled deductibles. Financial strain loomed large for many within the CPSB workforce.
Carl McDaniel, a teacher within Caddo Parish, voiced concerns about the impending rate and deductible hike, citing financial burdens.
Tina Weindel, a paraprofessional in Caddo Parish, expressed the looming challenge of a $4,000 expense due to illness, potentially forcing early retirement just to make ends meet.
Retired teacher Annalee Yard shared her frustration, emphasizing the importance of fair premiums and insurance based on her own merits rather than relying on her husband’s coverage.
Jordan Thomas, vice president of Red River United, highlighted the concerning dip in the reserve fund meant for health insurance and raises, pointing to employees repaying their 2017 raise. Thomas underscored the detrimental impact on public education, warning of a potential decline due to inadequate wages and increased financial burdens.
Expressing concern for the future, Thomas cautioned that this insurance hike might deter prospective educators from choosing Caddo Parish as their workplace.
This is just a short list of participants that continued for over four hours of public commentary. Once commentary was complete, the board voted 8 to 4 in favor of postponing the decision on insurance rates. A forthcoming special session aims to facilitate employee input and suggestions, highlighting the influential role of collective mobilization in advocating for employee interests.