Board approves new benefits consultant, asks for self-insurance analysis

The West Allis-West Milwaukee School Board voted May 18 to hire Howen as the district’s health‑benefits consultant and asked staff and the new firm to analyze whether the district should move from fully insured plans to a self‑insured model in the next 12–24 months.

Superintendent Dr. Robinson and finance staff described an RFP process that drew five proposals and three finalists. Mike Lamsky and district benefits staff said the district sought vendors with K‑12 experience, transparent fee structures and capabilities to model both fully insured renewals and a potential self‑funding transition. "The next 24 months are probably the most pivotal for our district," a staff presenter said, arguing that the district’s recent plan changes and accumulated reserves make a self‑funding analysis timely.

Board members pressed the finalists about fees and long‑term costs. Board member Mr. Lee asked whether consultants charge a percentage of premiums or a flat fee; Howen representatives said their approach for this engagement is a disclosed base fee plus predefined commissions rather than an undisclosed percentage tied directly to premium increases. Howen consultant Chris Smeert said the firm prefers "not to operate" on a model that automatically increases fees when premiums rise.

Howen presenters outlined steps for a self‑funding evaluation: analyze the current medical administrator and network (UnitedHealthcare), review pharmacy benefit management arrangements, model stop‑loss (catastrophic) insurance and assess operational impacts (including the district clinic). Howen and district staff told the board they will present a financial and operational analysis before the next renewal window.

The board approved the consultant contract by voice vote after a motion and second. The district will return to the board with findings about the feasibility, risks and timeline for any move to self‑insurance and with recommended plan design changes if appropriate.

The vote approving the consultant contract followed questions about time to onboard a new firm and transparency of fees; the district emphasized Howen’s prior work with personnel who previously served this district and said that familiarity weighed in the recommendation. The board’s action included authorization to finalize contract terms with Howen as presented.

Next steps: staff and Howen will perform the requested self‑insurance and financial modeling and report back to the board before the upcoming renewal period.