Piedmont Pulse

December 11, 2023

Dear PUSD Families,

It was great seeing so many of you at our holiday concerts last week. It is a joyful time of year. This week's newsletter will include the following topics:

1. Health Benefits - Why the Increase?

2. Budget Advisory Committee - Date Change

3. APT Negotiations - Impasse Process

4. Alumni Network

5. Grades 8-12 Surveys - Results Coming Soon!

6. Open Enrollment - Begins January 9th

In Partnership,

Jennifer Hawn, Ed.D.

Superintendent

One of the questions that has come up several times is why health benefit rates have increased so dramatically over the last two years. There are several factors to consider in understanding the District’s health benefits: the larger context of rate increases in California, the District’s package over the last several years, what other districts offer, and what we may see in the future.

Rate Increases Across California - You may already know that health care rates have continued to climb in California, particularly post-pandemic. Health insurance increased about 9.6% overall for Covered California options, and Kaiser specifically increased almost 10% across California for 2024.

PUSD Health Benefits - For PUSD, we have historically worked directly with Kaiser and enjoyed outstanding rates until the last two years. Indeed, two years ago, we had a decline in our rates (when does that ever happen!?). However, last year, we saw a 10% rate increase, and this year, our increase soared to just over 17% as a total increase for the District. Because PUSD offers a fixed contribution to employees, rate increases are absorbed by the employee, which means many employees saw their rates more than double. Confirmation of this rate increase happened in August, which was after our budget for 2024 was approved the prior June. Even after our rates were confirmed by Kaiser, we continued to try to negotiate, and, in fact, Kaiser came back at the 11th hour (one week prior to open enrollment) to offer us another less expensive plan that reflected a 10% increase. To explore this option, we have a practice in PUSD of deciding health benefit plans with a committee composed of APT, CSEA, and APSA members, along with our CBO. When this committee reviewed this less expensive plan, the consensus was that the plan was not as beneficial as the more expensive options and decided to stick with the current plan. Yes, we could have offered a less expensive plan to employees; however, sometimes a less expensive monthly plan means more expenses when you actually see your doctor.

What Other Districts Offer - We are currently using Dublin as one of our comparable districts; however, their rates are higher. If we look at Kaiser single, we see Dublin’s lowest cost plan is $245.13 over 10 months. If we compare our 11-month payment cycle, Dublin’s rate is $222.84 over 11th months versus our $80.29 over 11th months. Dublin is at the top of our list of comparable districts, but their healthcare is not. Albany is an even better comparable district, and indeed, Albany provides full family coverage for Kaiser. This would be fantastic, and given how similar Albany is to Piedmont in size and proximity, I have wondered how they do it. After reviewing their contract and budget, it looks like larger class size may be a key factor. Whereas PUSD’s class size is 24:1 in grades 1-3, Albany’s class size is 26:1 in grades 1-3. PUSD’s class size is 28:1 in grades 4 -12 versus Albany’s 29:1 at grades 4-6, and 30:1 in grades 7-12. Their caseloads for specialist positions are also higher. Even a few students in a class can make a significant difference in a school budget, especially if you do not have to increase staffing. Parents, feel free to weigh in HERE regarding your opinion about class size in PUSD.

Health Insurance Rates in the Future - Going out to bid for health benefits requires notice, and there are some pretty unpleasant rules around rates, including Kaiser’s requirement that even if we join with other groups (e.g., join CalPERS or California’s Valued Trust - CVT), our Kaiser rates will hold or increase for one year as part of the existing agreement. That said, we will still explore organizations that pool healthcare options, such as CalPERS and CVT, as these organizations offer additional healthcare options beyond our single Kaiser provider. CVT, for example, offers Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna and Kaiser, including HMOs and PPOs. It is difficult to predict what future rates will be, but we can expect rates will likely continue to increase. The benefit of these benefit groups that pool options (CalPERS or CVT) is that increases are not typically as dramatic. Ultimately, you may be wondering why PUSD cannot simply absorb more of the cost. Healthcare rates are a negotiable item, and so yes, we can increase our contribution if we come to an agreement with APT. However, contributing toward the cost means reducing somewhere else.

Parents, last week I highlighted the opportunity to ask budget questions by attending our Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) meetings. We had to move our BAC meeting to December 20th due to our first scheduled impasse meeting with APT and the State mediator. The new BAC meeting date is December 20th at 4PM here at the District Office Board Room, or online. Details about the meeting agenda and online link can be found HERE.

We have scheduled our first APT session with the State mediator on December 14th, and just a reminder that the impasse process simply means that APT and PUSD have tried but are unable to come to an agreement. A summary of the negotiated items can be found HERE. When this happens, one or both sides may declare impasse. Impasse includes filing a “Request for Impasse Determination/Appointment of Mediator” form with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). If PERB determines APT and PUSD are, in fact, at impasse, a state mediator is assigned to assist in resolving the matters to come to an agreement. If the mediator is unable to bring both parties to an agreement, either party may request a fact-finding panel. Fact-finding involves a three-person panel to conduct an analysis (typically of the union contract, district budget and other relevant information) to make recommendations in a report. At this point, the union and district may come to an agreement. If no agreement is reached, the two parties could continue negotiations, they could delay and revisit at a later date, or the union could strike. Once we enter into this process, we sign a confidentiality agreement until a contract agreement is signed. We will pause on updates on APT negotiations as of December 14th; however, I will share again that it is my sincerest desire to come to an agreement with our APT members. There are no heroes or villains in this story, no APT versus District, no "us" versus "them." Rather, we are all trying to figure it out, and I have the greatest respect for our team…we are all PUSD.

Okay…I am SO excited about this idea of launching an alumni network. Let’s do this! Graduating from our high schools is a wonderful achievement, and I find that I interact with SO MANY graduates. Piedmont is perfect for an alumni network, and I am hoping you will offer feedback or even volunteer to help me launch this idea. Why an alumni network? If we have talked, you know that I have boundless enthusiasm for our community, and an alumni network formalizes our collective pride in graduating from our schools. Here is what I know (and don’t know):

• Various community members already have lists.

• There does not appear to be a single hub for alumni.

• Facebook appears to be a platform for alumni to plan reunions by class.

• Alumni networks can be formal or loose, offering opportunities to come together for a variety of reasons. At this point, I would just like to get it started, and then build from there.

As you can see, I don’t know a lot, but I do know this idea could bring a lot of joy to our alumni. I spoke to a friend who runs the Beverly Hills High School Alumni Association, and gathered some pointers on getting started.

If you want to join me in building this idea out, let me know HERE.

Parents & Students, thank you to those of you who participated in the grades 8-12 surveys on high school program and course design. We opened the survey for about 3 weeks, and we are now analyzing the results. A special thanks to our Superintendent’s Advisory Council for their wise feedback. I plan to share high level results in the next few weeks, and so thank you for your patience while we review the data.

PUSD Enrollment for 2024-25 School Year Opens January 9th

The Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) will open enrollment for the 2024-25 school year on January 9. Enrollment for TK-12 is for current PUSD resident families with new children entering the district, and/or for new Piedmont resident families enrolling their child for the first time. Families will be required to upload proof of residency, birth certificate or passport, immunization records and TB risk assessment. Visit the District’s Enrollment section for more information. Links to enroll for the 2024-25 school year will be activated on the apply page on January 9.

Families with children turning five years of age between September 2, 2024 and June 2, 2025, are eligible for the District’s TK program for the 2024-25 school year. Visit the District website for more information about the TK program.

Visit the California Department of Education’s website for more information about Kindergarten in California.

After reviewing the Enrollment section, if you have questions, please contact one of the school offices:

Beach: Sarah Schaaf - 510-594-2666, sschaaf@piedmont.k12.ca.us

Havens: Melanie Reed - 510-594-2680, mreed@piedmont.k12.ca.us

Wildwood: Christine Petersen/Jennifer Davidhazy - 510-594-2780, wildwoodoffice@piedmont.k12.ca.us

PMS: Caryn Palliser - 510-594-2669, cpalliser@piedmont.k12.ca.us

PHS: Darlene Low - 510-594-2646, dlow@piedmont.k12.ca.us

Families seeking information about inter-district transfers should check the Non-Resident Transfers page.

PEF - The Giving Campaign - Let's make it a great holiday with a donation to PEF! We are grateful to our community for their support of our outstanding teachers and programs. If you are able to give, go HERE. And, the grade level challenge is on-- check it out HERE.

Piedmont Portal - For all of the latest school and community events, please visit the Piedmont Portal linked HERE

Donate for Absences - Parents, please remember that if your child needs to be out of school, you can submit payment HERE for the lost revenue. Each day that a student is out of school (for any reason, including illness) means a loss of revenue in the following amounts per day: TK-3rd Grade = $61.32; 4th-6th Grade = $56.39; 7th-8th Grade = $58.06; 9th-12th Grade = $61.20. This is invitational, of course.

Winter Break - There is no school from 12/22/23-1/5/24. Happy Holidays!

Witter Field Renovation Project Updates - For updates on the Witter Field Renovation Project, please go to our Facilities page on our PUSD website.

Community Pool Construction Update - Safety measures around the Community Pool Project construction site on Magnolia Ave. across from PHS/MHS are currently in effect. Visit the City of Piedmont's website for details.

Work for PUSD - PUSD is seeking candidates for a variety of positions. Visit the District's Edjoin page for a complete list of jobs available and to apply online.

Substitutes Needed - Support students while earning up to $200/day. PUSD seeking substitute teachers for the 2023-24 school year. Visit the District's EdJoin page for more information and to apply.

Archived Piedmont Pulse Newsletters - All editions of the Piedmont Pulse are linked HERE

Follow PUSD - Please read our school newsletters sent out weekly for update to date information. The District Facebook (@piedmontunified), Twitter (@piedmontunified), Instagram (@piedmontusd) and Threads (@piedmontusd@threads) pages are active.

Email: communication@piedmont.k12.ca.us
Website: www.piedmont.k12.ca.us
Location: 760 Magnolia Avenue, Piedmont, CA, USA
Phone: 510-594-2600