Wayzata Public Schools — Transcript
Monday, March 23, 2026
Employee Health and Dental Insurance Rates for 2026-2027
Superintendent Employment Agreement Approval
Votes (3)
Approval of Health and Hospitalization Insurance Rates 2026-2027
Dissent: None
Moved by Milan Sahony, Board Chair [00:09:47] · Seconded by Heidi Kedar, Board Member [00:09:48]
Joanne Fields presented on the district's self-insured health plan, which has been in place since 2000. She highlighted the challenge of rising medical and pharmacy costs (13-15% average trend, 10-22% for surrounding districts) leading to a recommended 12.75% increase for health insurance. The health benefits committee, comprising various employee groups and consultants, unanimously supported this increase after extensive review of claims performance, plan reserves, and options like deductibles/premiums. There were no changes to plan design, networks, deductibles, or out-of-pocket maximums. Discussions included the district's stop-loss coverage experience and the difficulty of the decision given the financial impact on employees.
Approval of District's Self-Insured Dental Plan Rates 2026-2027
Dissent: None
Moved by Sheila Prior, Board Member [00:19:15] · Seconded by Heidi Kedar, Board Member [00:19:16]
Joanne Fields presented the recommendation for dental insurance rates, noting that the plan, administered through Delta Dental, has fewer variables than medical insurance. Due to a strong fund balance and positive claims experience, the committee recommended a 0% increase for the 2026-2027 plan year. This decision was well-received by the board as a positive outcome.
Approval of Superintendent Employment Agreement for Dr. Rob Virgin
Dissent: None
Moved by Paris Bendy, Board Member [00:22:25] · Seconded by Heidi Kedar, Board Member [00:22:26]
The superintendent contract committee (Heidi Kedar, Valentina Ays, and Milan Sahony) presented the finalized employment agreement for Dr. Rob Virgin. They affirmed that the agreement was competitive, equitable, and fiscally responsible, based on regional market comparisons and the board's leadership goals. Board members expressed excitement for Dr. Virgin's leadership and thanked the committee for their extensive work. Valentina Ays voiced initial struggles comparing the new contract to the previous superintendent's compensation but ultimately supported it for market competitiveness. Dr. Anderson, the outgoing superintendent, publicly endorsed Dr. Virgin and pledged commitment to a smooth transition.
Notable Quotes (5)
The reality of all of this is that the cost of medical care and pharmacy spend has inflated more than ever in the last past 18 months. It's atrocious and it's worldw United Stateswide I should say.
This is definitely not my heart choice. This is my mind choice obviously to to do this kind of a change and I think for our members that was a struggle at our meeting too is that we really wanted every one of their voices to be heard and we can hear that we know that it's a struggle with anytime we deal with finances and what you take home from your pay.
And this year, with our current balance and our fund balance and the committee reviewing our claims, we decided that we did did not need to do an increase at all. So, we recommend a 0% increase for that plan.
I am struggling. I'm struggling with uh to be honest that we have Chief Anderson who had been working for 18 years and we paid him um less than we are offering right now. Uh but at the same time listening to that we would like uh we need to be um competitive on the market and to um be able to attract um professionals.
I believe you've made an outstanding choice and I just wanted the board and community to know that I have already been uh in communication and conversation with Rob and we plan on having a number of meetings moving forward and I'm committed to doing everything I can to help ensure a smooth transition and getting Rob off to a great start.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Recommended authorization of health and hospitalization insurance rates for the upcoming plan year.
Recommended authorization of dental insurance rates for the upcoming plan year.
A mandatory program for high-cost specialty medications aimed at securing discounts and funding options for employees.
An optional program allowing members to access certain medications from international sources for cost savings.
The provider through which the district's dental insurance is managed.
The separate pharmacy plan carved out from the main healthcare plan for cost efficiency.
The finalized contract for Dr. Rob Virgin as the next Superintendent of Visetta Public Schools.