|
Q: School board members throughout Maryland continue to work hard on implementation efforts for the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. Can you provide a snapshot of planned MABE actions for the coming months?
A: Absolutely. In addition to MABE's ongoing efforts to monitor Blueprint-related developments and resources, and keep our members well informed, there are several areas of the Blueprint that must be addressed if implementation efforts at the local level are to be successful.
Following a productive July meeting with PSSAM (the Public School Superintendents' Association of Maryland) and MACo (the Maryland Association of Counties), we are beginning efforts this month to develop Blueprint modifications we intend to present to key Maryland legislators; we expect this to take place well in advance of the Maryland General Assembly's 2024 session which begins January 10. We recognize the importance of getting an early start on proactive efforts tied to potential Blueprint refinements and improvements, understanding that early action makes us that much more likely to generate positive, proactive legislative action.
Q: School systems are facing inflation and growing budget demands, including rising healthcare costs. Does MABE have any efforts underway that can help Maryland school systems on this front?
A: When it comes to attracting and retaining staff, Maryland school systems understandably are looking for both high quality and cost-saving options when it comes to health insurance. We expect to be able to provide additional details soon, but at this time can share that MACo recently approved a partnership with MABE focused on best-in-class healthcare solutions that MABE member school systems can implement, while also streamlining the healthcare selection and implementation process for school systems.
Access, quality and care are paramount when it comes to health benefits. With this in mind, I'm glad to share that we're working with a large, experienced benefits consulting firm to select and enter into agreements we feel confident will benefit Maryland school systems. Our work initially centers on convenient and accessible, employer-sponsored health centers for school system employees and their dependents that act as a sort of concierge health service for primary care, and a cooperative effort related to paid family leave and the Maryland Time to Care Act. These are just two of the tools we'll have in our toolbox of new benefits for MABE members. More to come on our innovative suite of user-friendly services and products underway for Maryland school systems!
Q: That provides a good segue to get more information on the Maryland Time to Care Act, as well as MABE's related Collaborative under development. For people who may be coming up to speed, what is the Maryland Time To Care Act, and how might the MABE Time to Care Act (TTCA) Collaborative benefit MABE members?
A: For starters, the Maryland Time to Care Act, passed in 2022, will provide access to paid family and medical leave. Specifically, the Act requires nearly all Maryland employers with 15 employees or more to contribute to a state-administered fund made up of employer and employee contributions, which will be available to qualifying Maryland employers -- including government employers such as school systems. Maryland employers will be required to provide employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid leave to care for themselves or certain family members, when necessary criteria are met. Maryland employers also have the option to develop their own plan by contracting directly with an insurer, or participate in the new program to be administered by the State of Maryland.
Even though lawmakers recently extended the date for initial employer and employee fund contributions to October 1, 2024, and also moved the start date for benefits payments to employees to January 1, 2026, we do urge school systems to start planning now.
More specifically, we recommend that Maryland school systems join what will be the MABE Time to Care Act (TTCA) Collaborative, through MABE, since that means great potential to lower related payment costs. We are encouraged that MACo recently approved their partnership with MABE on this important effort, and suggest school board members or other decision makers in your school system contact me for additional information we feel will be helpful.
Q: What other opportunities do you see to expand assistance and offerings to MABE members?
A: One of my priorities will be working to ensure that our members are aware of the various MABE benefits, services and offerings they are entitled to. I invite our members to visit the MABE Member Benefits & Solutions booklet for a detailed overview, and to contact any of our staff at any time with any related questions they may have.
I also plan to reach out to all of Maryland's 24 boards of education during the next several months, in hopes that I may join one of their future board meetings to introduce myself, go into greater detail about MABE services, and learn more about any specific topics on which MABE staff may be able to provide additional information. Our entire team is dedicated to putting members first, and are eager to share expertise in their respective fields when requested by school boards. It's by working together and sharing timely information and resources that we all can do our best work!
| 
