Employees of Pasadena Independent School District (ISD) are expressing strong concerns about a proposed transition to the statewide TRS Active Care health insurance program, which they fear could lead to a significant increase in their monthly premiums. The school board is expected to discuss the proposal during a meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
Currently, Pasadena ISD contributes $322 monthly toward health insurance premiums for each employee enrolled in its self-funded plan. However, the district has indicated that this arrangement is leading to substantial financial losses.
Under the proposed TRS Active Care plan, employees could face hundreds of dollars more in monthly costs for their health coverage. Teacher Jessica Wheat shared her perspective, stating, “I make about $70,000 a year. Right now, I’m paying a little over $600 a month with this new insurance structure. I will be paying an extra $20,000 a year over what I’m already paying for insurance.”
Christina Rodriguez, a content creator with Pasadena ISD, voiced her concerns as well, saying, “It’s a car payment, mortgage, definitely grocery money. So, essentially, the district is saying we know it’s hard, but you’re going to have to choose between food and insurance, your car payment or moderate, and this insurance.”
Employees were informed of the proposed changes through an email from the superintendent sent on Sunday afternoon. In response, Wheat and Rodriguez sought legal action by filing for a temporary restraining order in civil court on Monday, aiming to prevent a vote on the proposal during the upcoming board meeting. They are also pursuing records from the district under the Freedom of Information Act to understand how long board members have been considering this change.
In response to the employees’ concerns, the district issued a statement acknowledging that they have communicated information regarding the proposed insurance changes. They emphasized that the board is set to discuss the proposal and that they are aware of anonymous social media activity urging employees and students to stay home. The district affirmed that schools will continue to operate normally and classes will proceed as scheduled, reinforcing their commitment to providing a safe and productive learning environment for all.
