Quincy School District on track for new insurance implementation on November 1

QUINCY — Before exiting to executive session, the Quincy School Board conducted a quick meeting in front of a crowd of about 20 people.

The only new business was the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Regional Safe Schools Program.

Board members Jim Whitfield and Carol Nichols each received accommodations for Distinguished Board Members. The certificate is awarded to school board members that achieve certain levels of continued education and achievement.

The School District is on schedule to implement the new health insurance program for its employees on November 1. District Chief of Business Operations Ryan Whicker said the process is moving along.

“We are mirroring the old plan (Blue Cross/Blue Shield). Enrolling folks. Confirming medications as well as any upcoming procedures during this transition period … hoping to avoid any hiccups,” Whicker said. “The only difference is that this is a two-part plan.”

Asked whether this is just a one year agreement, Board President Shelley Arns said that is possible.

“We’ve talked to other insurance professionals … being self-insured is the most cost-effective method but that would take some time to execute properly,” she said. “We will reassess in the summer.” 

Arns opened the meeting with a moment of silence for long-time district employee Mike Creek, who passed away recently at the age of 75. After retiring from ADM, Creek spent many hours at Quincy Junior High School as a substitute teacher followed by a stint in the Security Department at Baldwin Elementary. He was also a long-time softball umpire.

Arns recalls Creek monitoring the area outside her classroom.

“He was a fixture,” she said. “Such a sweet man with that booming voice. He will definitely be missed.”