Happening in HR

The final days for American Fidelity open enrollment for the 2025-2026 year will be May 27 through May 30. Please meet with the representative to learn about the benefits of the pre-tax programs, e.g.,flexible spending accounts, supplemental insurance, etc. and to complete the enrollment or waiver paperwork. (The I.R.S. Regulations for pre-tax programs require an annual written election or waiver by employees.) In addition to the final in person days, virtual options are available in April and May to meet with a representative. Schedule your appointment here. American Fidelity Open Enrollment

If you currently have a flexible spending account and do not meet with a representative, your flexible spending account will not continue during the 25-26 year.

If you have any questions, please reach out to:

Tracy Dockter x5004 tracy.dockter@tsd.org

Dorothy Barnhart x5006 dorothy.barnhart@tsd.org

Benefits Open Enrollment began on Monday, April 21, 2025 and ends on Monday, May 5, 2025.

The district experienced a 13% increase in premiums. If you pay any premium amount, you will see an adjustment in the premiums you pay beginning June 2025.

New this year, we have "unbundled" our medical and dental plans. You may now enroll dependents in medical or dental only - they are no longer packaged together. Please visit the rate calculator for specific rates based on your FTE.

Vision will be changing to a new plan that offers lower copays and an annual frame allowance. Premiums will increase slightly. If you are already enrolled in the vision coverage, you will be automatically merged to the new plan. If you wish to add or drop vision coverage, please do so during this Open Enrollment period.

This year if you are happy with your coverage you DO NOT have to do anything. Your current plan will automatically rollover. However, if you are nearing retirement, you may want to check how you’re withholding premiums and consider changing to an after-tax withholding.

Changes made during the open enrollment period will be effective July 1.

The Benefits Team will be hosting Q&A sessions on the following dates and times:
Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 3pm
Monday, May 5, 2025 at 3pm

Please visit our Open Enrollment website for more information.

Enrollment will be completed in the CEBT Community System. To access Community please click here. If you were hired prior to Fall 2021, your user name may be your personal email address or @tsd.org.

If you have specific individual questions, please reach out to:

Tracy Dockter x5004 tracy.dockter@tsd.org

Dorothy Barnhart x5006 dorothy.barnhart@tsd.org

Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? AllOneHeath EAP (formerly TRIAD EAP) has published the following guides that can assist with many aspects of a mental health journey.

How to Support a Loved One: Supporting a loved one through mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, and this guide offers practical steps to help you navigate the process.
Mental Health for Everyone: To build mental health awareness, this resource provides an overview of why mental health matters and when to seek support.
Mental Health in the Workplace: This guide provides actionable steps for organizational leaders to promote mental health, communicate effectively, and foster a supportive work environment.
Mental Health Signs and Symptoms: Every diagnosis has its own symptoms, but this guide features the most common signs and symptoms to be aware of.
What is Resiliency?: In mental health resiliency, there are strategic ways to improve your ability to bounce back from challenges. This guide offers a closer look at the four primary areas of defense and specific steps to improve resilience.

If you are working through mental health challenges, the EAP is here to support. AllOne Health's confidential counseling services and resources are available to provide guidance, support, and encouragement whenever it’s needed. Contact us at 877-679-1100 or visit us at triadeap.com.

Please view the document linked below for some highlighted Professional Development opportunities, including:

1. Upcoming EL PD Courses (Register in Learning Pro)
2. Safety & Security Live Drill: May 3, 2025
3. ESS Symposium: May 27-29, 2025
4. Technanigans: June 3, 2025

View Upcoming Spring/Summer Professional Development Opportunities

• Be sure to follow registration requirements for each event.

NOTE: Regarding PD credit for the Safety & Security Live Drill, the ESS Symposium, and the Technanigans conference:

• Professional Development Contact Hours will be provided to all participants upon confirmed attendance at the events.
• Thompson Incentive Credit (TIC) will be available for purchase by licensed staff who are off contract and have completed the minimum attendance hour requirements.
• TIC will be free for attendees of the ESS Symposium, courtesy of the ESS Department.
• The PD Department will register all participants in Learning Pro and assign the corresponding PD contact and credit hours after each event.
  

For questions, please reach out to the main contacts of the event(s) you are interested in.

Congratulations to the following:

Top of Thompson recipients for April:

Sheryl Newman - Payroll Specialist, Business Services

Amy Egbuji - Learning Center Teacher, Winona Elementary

Ryan Walstrom - Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Mountain View

Community Champion Award for March :

Vivacity Tech - Abby Erickson

Here are the links to nominate a TSD staff member for the Top of Thompson Award, or to nominate a community member/business for the Community Champion Award.

District licensed and classified staff employees (other than part-time nutrition services whose work year is 200 days or less have the option of being paid in either 10 monthly payments (September - June) or 12 monthly payments (September - August).

Qualified employees must notify the Human Resources Department, in writing, no later than July 1st for implementation the following September if they wish to change their pay option.

Employees who fail to notify Human Resources by July 1st will be paid as follows:

Classified Staff - in the same manner as they are currently paid.

Licensed Staff - in the same manner as they are currently paid.

Note: Teachers completing their first year who fail to make a selection, will default to a 12-month pay plan. Once the option has been selected, no change will be permitted during the course of that work year. Form attached below.

Tuition Reimbursement is available for licensed staff. Information can be found in the TSD Staff Portal, Human Resources, Tuition Reimbursement. If you have taken a college/university, graduate-level class(es) over the past year (from June 1, 2024 through May 21, 2025) you can apply for tuition reimbursement up to $1000 for the year. This amount could fluctuate based on the number of staff members who apply.

Please complete the form (following the guidelines), include your tuition receipt, as well as an official transcript for the class(es) and email to: denise.absalom@tsd.org

The deadline for submitting your paperwork is June 1, 2025. Paper copies will not be accepted

We would like to thank all of our retirees* for their years of service and dedication to the Thompson School District, its students and community. Best wishes on a rewarding retirement!

*as of April 18, 2025