Board member urges alternatives as proposed insurance premium increases worry employees

Miss Rodriguez addressed proposed increases in employee insurance premiums during board remarks, saying she has worked directly with the CEO and superintendent to examine budget lines and identify reductions before asking employees to absorb added costs. "When we talk about an insurance increase, we're not talking about numbers on a spreadsheet," she said. "What we're really talking about is somebody's grocery money."

Rodriguez said she could not promise a final number at the meeting but emphasized ongoing work: asking questions, pushing for alternatives, and advocating for staff. She said the board must balance fiscal responsibility with supporting and retaining teachers and staff and pledged to continue seeking options before any decision that would materially reduce employees' take-home pay.

No formal action or vote on premium changes occurred during the meeting; Rodriguez framed her remarks as an update on ongoing budget work and advocacy for employees.