By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
The Point Isabel Independent School District Board of Trustees approved employee benefit renewals, addressed rising health insurance costs and reached a decision on a Level III grievance during its Oct. 20 regular meeting.
Trustees approved a 12-month renewal of pharmacy benefit manager services with Matrix Quality Care Inc., doing business as Araya, beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The estimated contract amount is $28,728, contingent upon enrollment and claims.
District representatives reported no concerns from the employee insurance benefits committee regarding the pharmacy provider. Pharmacy benefits and costs will remain unchanged.
The board also approved a 12-month renewal of group health insurance through Texas Health Benefits Pool for an estimated $189,862.46, contingent upon enrollment and claims.
District officials explained that premiums would increase for employees and the district, although existing benefits would remain unchanged. Increases were described as ranging from approximately 15% to 25%, depending on the plan and coverage tier.
The employee insurance benefits committee unanimously supported maintaining the existing health insurance coverage, according to the presentation.
Trustees approved a consent agenda that included budget amendments involving educational grants, legal expenditures, school nutrition services and district policies. Educational funding items included grants supporting college and career readiness, fresh fruits and vegetables for students, and services for immigrant students.
The meeting included recognition of 10 students receiving College Board academic honors, including AP Scholar, School Recognition, First-Generation Recognition and Rural and Small Town Recognition awards.
Campus principals Debra Quist, Rocio Ramos, Valerie LeBlanc and Valarie Brown were recognized in observance of National Principals Month.
Superintendent Theresa Capistran also announced upcoming community events, including the district’s Fall Festival on Friday, Nov. 13, at Tarpon Stadium.
The district’s annual Feast of Sharing, held in partnership with H-E-B, is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the high school. The event will feature food, activities and giveaways.
Following an executive session addressing legal and personnel matters, trustees voted to partially grant and partially deny remedies requested in a Level III grievance.
The motion passed with four affirmative votes and three abstentions. Legal counsel advised that three trustees should abstain from voting. The public motion did not specify which requested remedies were granted or denied.
Trustees also approved superintendent recommendations concerning professional educator contracts and the October personnel report, including employment, resignations, leaves of absence, new hires, promotions and transfers.
The board’s next regular meeting is expected Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 5:30 p.m. in the Central Administration Building Board Room, 101 Port Road. Meeting information and agendas are available at www.pi-isd.net.