Neshaminy board approves Everett Elementary lease extension and raises employee health premiums

The Neshaminy School District Board of School Directors on May 2023 voted unanimously to approve a first addendum to the district's lease for Samuel Everett Elementary School and to raise employee health insurance premiums for the 2023'24 fiscal year.

Board member Mr. Cirillo moved to extend the lease that originated on June 7, 2016, through June 30, 2025, under terms presented by the district and the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22. The addendum, as described at the meeting, would include roughly $560,000 in capital improvements to be performed by the Intermediate Unit and counted as a rent credit. The motion was seconded and passed on a 6'0to'00 vote.

In a separate resolution, the board approved a 6.5 percent increase in district health insurance premium rates for employees for fiscal year 2023'24. The district reported that the self'insured health program's projected expenses for the coming year were about $17.8 million and that current rates were insufficient to meet those costs. The presentation at the meeting noted employee contractual contribution rates "between 14 and 19 percent," as stated by the presenter. That motion also passed 6'0to'00.

Board members said there were no public comments on either item. The actions were presented during the meeting's business items and were approved as part of the evening's consent and action agenda.

What happens next: The lease addendum will be executed under the district's corporate authorization as approved and the premium changes will take effect for the 2023'24 plan year as set by the resolution. The board scheduled a special meeting on May 24 to continue discussion of health care offerings and a June 1 meeting focused on the proposed budget.