Enraged retirees organize, make demands

Early retirees, former employees who retired before 65, previously were provided health care from the same pool as current employees. Last year, the Board of Trustees decided to separate the group of about 70 people to save the district money. The decision meant dramatically higher health care costs for a small, angry group of people and now concerns current employees who were considering early retirement. Although appreciative of a number of concessions the district made in December, the group argues that the only true solution is to have one pool for health care options for all employees, current and past. In an effort to make that happen, the teachers formed READ, Retired Employees Against Discrimination.

Nanette Uribe spoke to the Board of Trustees first last night announcing the group’s formation and informed the district that READ would be requesting a meeting with Laurence to discuss possible solutions.

Given that the group spoke during public comments, rather than on an agendized item, Laurence and the board were unable to respond but had previously offered up some concessions and said the decision was in the best interest of the district’s primary goal of serving students. That, however, was met with a less than positive response by those directly affected.

George Pleasant, a teacher who retired after 33 years in the district, ran his own figures on the possible savings to the district by keeping all employees in the same pool but changing the offerings. Pleasant estimated the savings could result in $1.2 million in savings for the district.

After a number of angry sessions and public protests, the district put forth a number of concessions last month including: Increasing the $250 monthly stipend some early retirees receive increased to $500 for those insured through Anthem Blue Cross of Kaiser. Former employees and their spouses who did not receive a monthly stipend are now eligible to receive a $250 monthly reimbursement until age 65. This contribution can be applied to either a district-sponsored or outside medical plan. The district will also cover up to $1,500 for projected increases in deductibles for early retirees and their spouses. Finally, the district created a $30,000 special hardship fund available to those with larger health care costs. Applicants for the fund will be assessed independently by a yet-to-be-formed committee, which will also set the criteria for consideration.

Mike McCord, who retired from Burlingame High School in 2005, was thankful for the concessions offered thus far but noted the solutions seemed short term. Also, concessions mean the district realizes "it’s really open a can of worms.” Addressing that issue can only be accomplished by putting all employees, past and present, into one pool for employee benefits, he said.

Current employees are also less than pleased with the district’s actions.

Burlingame High Career Center Advisor Lori Friel voiced her support for the early retirees and the need for access to affordable health care for all.

Mills High teacher Bob Thompson, 61, has been considering early retirement, but can no longer under the current offerings from the district.

"What’s happening is wrong. Many of us feel you have the responsibility and the means to correct this,” Thompson said.

Former employees have meet with lawyers. No lawsuit has been filed.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.