The Amador County Unified School District (ACUSD) and County Office of Education (COE) held a meeting on April 16, 2025, focusing on employee benefits, specifically dental and vision insurance. The discussions centered around the potential transition from their current broker, NewFront, and the implications of exploring options with CalPERS for medical insurance.

The meeting began with a review of the current dental and vision insurance costs for employees, which were reported to be approximately $116 monthly for dental and $19 for vision. Concerns were raised regarding the rising costs of these benefits compared to previous years, although officials noted that dental and vision rates had remained relatively stable over the past three years, unlike medical insurance rates.

A key point of discussion was the potential risk associated with dropping NewFront as the broker. One member expressed uncertainty about the benefits of making such a change, especially if the costs remained the same. The conversation highlighted the need to evaluate the services provided by any new broker, particularly if the district were to move forward with CalPERS for medical insurance.

The board acknowledged that a change in medical insurance would necessitate a review of dental and vision options, emphasizing the importance of ensuring continuity of service for employees. The discussion concluded with a consensus on the need to explore these options further, allowing the district to assess the quality of services and make informed decisions regarding employee benefits.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to providing competitive and reliable insurance options for its employees while navigating the complexities of insurance brokerage and costs. Further evaluations and discussions are expected as the board continues to explore the best paths forward for employee benefits.