AISD is providing an updated FAQ to employees that clarifies section three of the criteria in the initial FAQ (question 9, page 3), which was distributed Aug. 27. Specifically, children are included in the list of relationships that cannot qualify for the expanded health insurance benefits the district will offer.   

Dear Team AISD,

 
Tonight, AISD’s Board of Trustees approved the final 2013-14 budget for AISD. With this board action, we can now officially provide updates for you on two important items: improved compensation and expanded insurance coverage.
 
This year we will maintain for every regular full-time and part-time employee last year’s temporary 3 percent salary adjustment, which is pensionable. On top of this increase, we also will provide for every regular full-time and part-time employee who qualifies for benefits the equivalent of an additional 1.5 percent increase based on current annualized salary, which is not pensionable and will be paid in two lump sums. And, in addition, if we can identify an additional $2.4 million in budget savings, we will provide every Teacher of Record (teachers who issue grades) with an increase of at least $1,000.
  
As you know, the district has wanted to find a way to expand access to health insurance benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their households. While there were a few legal and logistical obstacles to overcome since the administration first included funds for this expansion in its preliminary budget in February 2013, a clear path forward emerged to allow all regular and full-time employees to add new qualifying individuals to their existing coverage. With tonight’s vote, the board approved funding in the district’s 2013-14 budget that will support this expansion.
 
The district will hold an open enrollment period October 1-31 for qualifying individuals, and such coverage will begin December 1. To review the criteria and learn how to apply, as well as to review information on the improved compensation, please view the following FAQ. 
 
As you learned during AISD’s all-staff convocation last week, we as a leadership team want to be the best for you, so you are healthy and happy in your job. This is another way we are making our total compensation package more competitive in order to retain and attract the very best talent.
 
Thank you for your input, questions and feedback as we have developed AISD’s 2013-14 budget. We could have never done it without you.
 
Together, our work is working.
 
Sincerely,
 
Meria Carstarphen
Superintendent