Oct 2, 2009 2 min read

JEFFERSON- Jefferson-Morgan School Board voted recently to continue providing medical benefits to the widow of a retired schoolteacher for eight-and-a-half years. Board members said this is the first time the district has encountered such a situation, and it is not covered in the teachers’ contract. The board emphasized that the next teachers’ contract will need to address the issue.

The deceased employee worked for the district for 23 years. According to his contract, he and his spouse were to receive insurance until the former employee became eligible for Medicare, which is currently 65 years of age. At that time, the insurance would end for both the former employee and his spouse, regardless of her age.

The board voted 5-2 to continue the widow’s medical coverage until the day her husband would have turned 65. The continued insurance will cost the district about $55,000. While some board members agreed with the decision and called it the “right thing to do” and the “best decision the board has ever made,” others disagreed.

“I’m sorry for the lady,” said Director Frank J. Burich. “But it’s not my $55,000, it’s the taxpayers’ (money).”

He said he wanted to explore the district’s legal options and further investigate the matter before making a decision.

In other business, the board also appointed members to a needs assessment and feasibility study that will look at ways for Carmichaels, Jefferson-Morgan and Southeastern Greene School Districts to combine services.