Jackson School Board approves filing dates

The Jackson School Board on Tuesday approved filing dates and times for candidates in the 2015 election in which two positions, currently held by Paul Stoner and Brent Wills, will be up.

Election day is April 7, and filing at the Board of Education Office will run from Dec. 16 through Jan. 20 during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26, and Jan. 1 and 2.

The winners will serve three-year terms.

During Tuesday's meeting, the board approved the employee health insurance plan for 2015.

The district offers coverage at no charge to its approximately 500 full-time employees through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, officials said.

The insurance cost for 2015 will be about $3.5 million, a 5 percent increase from the roughly $3.35 million paid this year, said Wade Bartels, associate superintendent finance/business operations.

Both Saint Francis Medical Center and Southeast Hospital are in the district's network. The plan is effective Jan. 1, Bartels said.

Other business

• The board approved a resolution authorizing the refinancing of bonds used to renovate and make additions to Jackson High School.

Jackson voters approved a proposition for a $19.5 million bond issue to add space to the high school in 2005. The work was completed in 2010, at a total cost of $22.5 million, with the difference being covered by interest earned on bonds, Bartels said in a 2012 Southeast Missourian article.

• The board approved evaluations of the health services and early childhood programs.
• The board approved changes to board policies on everything from family and medical leave to community use of district facilities.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pertinent address:

614 E. Adams St., Jackson, Mo.