Ypsilanti Community Schools to offer employees reduced benefits

Because Ypsilanti Community Schools made preserving current employee salaries a priority for when the new district launches in July, the joint Ypsilanti-Willow Run Board of Education approved slightly reduced insurance coverage Thursday night, according to a report in the Ypsilanti Courier.

Teachers will start their employment with the new consolidated district at the base salary they made in 2012-13 at their previous districts, either Ypsilanti Public Schools or Willow Run Community Schools. New teachers coming into the district going forward will earn $40,000 to $70,000 depending on their degree/certification and experience levels, according to documents previously approved by the board.

YCS and Washtenaw Intermediate School District Superintendent Scott Menzel told the Courier the biggest difference in the benefits is that some employee groups, such as paraprofessionals and custodial staff, will no longer be eligible for family or spousal coverage. He said the district also will be using just one insurance provider for the various types of insurance to keep things simple. Employees will be able to choose from multiple plans with varying deductibles and premiums, the Courier says.

The new Ypsilanti-Willow Run consolidated district will offer dental, medical, prescription, vision, life and long-term disability coverage to most employees.

• Read the story in the Ypsilanti Courier.

Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.