Based on consultation with Education Austin, and support from its employee groups, the Joint Insurance Committee and legal counsel, the Austin Independent School District has proposed a plan to extend the district’s insurance coverage to domestic partnerships.

If implemented, the district would extend coverage to qualifying individuals in domestic partnerships beginning Sept. 1.   

AISD began discussing expanding its insurance coverage in September 2012 as part of its preliminary budget process.

The estimated cost of an expansion is approximately $600,000 per year in premiums. Based on findings from similar-sized school districts, companies and nonprofits, the district estimates 300-400 more people might join AISD’s insurance plan, if the new coverage is made available.

“AISD is a public school district, and we accept all students, families and employees who walk through our school gates and choose AISD as their first choice for education or employment,” Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said. “Our employees are as diverse as our student population. This change recognizes that diversity and it reflects our commitment to providing equal access to quality insurance to our employees.” 

The district’s preliminary budget for FY 2014 was presented to the Board of Trustees in February 2013. It includes funding for extending insurance coverage to domestic partnerships. AISD’s Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the district’s final budget in August.