In September, the District presented BENTE leadership with a Memorandum of Agreement that would allow impacted employees to be furloughed. With the best interest of all involved, the District approached BENTE leadership with a proposal that would allow employees to continue their health benefits. Unfortunately that proposal was rejected, and on September 24th, the Board of Education voted unanimously to abolish the impacted positions. As the District continues to examine its current financial situation, this proposal is no longer a fiscally viable option in a fully remote learning environment.
To assist those individuals impacted by the layoff, the District is working in collaboration with local area health agencies. Everyone has a right to health insurance, and we are fortunate that New York State provides this option to anyone who needs it. We have scheduled three in-person sessions where affected BENTE members will have an opportunity to sign up for health insurance. On October 20th, 27th, and 28th. Health Navigators will be at Central Office, 131 West Broad Street, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help with enrollment and provide information. In addition, we will have other resources available to offer assistance. Affected employees will be receiving a call from the District with details on the event, including required documentation.
Employees will need to register for this event by calling the Benefits Department at 262-8206 or by emailing [email protected]. Individuals who are not able to attend in person can call or email Benefits for alternative options in accessing medical benefits information.
To view comments from Superintendent Lesli Myers-Small, please
click here.
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