Columbus City Schools and the Columbus Education Association teachers' union reached an agreement that would increase health insurance premiums by 8%.
In a statement, CCS Spokesman Michael Brown said the agreement means CEA members will continue to get health insurance in 2027 with a capped 8% premium increase to participating members. The agreement also includes some changes to the insurance plan, which the district didn't immediately explain.
The agreement avoids a dispute over rising healthcare costs for employees that could've led to costly surcharges starting next year. This happened after a report found its insurance plan was underfunded by more than $20 million, which CCS attributed that to reporting by consulting company Aon-Hewitt.
Last week, the teacher's union began a pressure campaign against the district, calling for further negotiations.
A planned special school board meeting for Monday evening was canceled once the agreement was reached at a joint committee meeting held earlier in the day between the district and union.
In a statement sent to WOSU, CCS Superintendent Angela Chapman said she is grateful the district and labor union were able to come to an agreement.
A spokesperson for the teachers' union couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
