Insurance Consultants Will Still Be Used By Muskego School District

Shortly after the Muskego-Norway School Board selected an insurance carrier that would realize a $2 million savings for the district, the discussion of the role of consultants to reach that savings was taken up.

While many on the board pointed to the efforts of Willis in leading them to the savings on health plans for its employees, others felt it was the board itself that forced Willis to go back to the drawing board.

"They dropped the ball here," said board member Dean Strom. "The additional $500,000 came out of our recommendations, and I feel they left that money on the table." Strom referred to the recommendation that was discussed only two weeks prior by the board, which had Humana selected as the carrier of choice.  The board had requested a waiver of premium had to be included and pushed to have the numbers rerun.

Others, however, felt the board could have done a better job in being clear with Willis, and that they could have been setting the insurance consultant up to fail by not being clear.

Dr. Joe Schroeder, school superintendent, weighed in, saying "I'm a little mystified at the board's reaction, especially as we're realizing a $2 million savings.  I think we're being hard on our vendors, and I believe Willis acted with integrity."

Additionally, the idea of using consultants made some uneasy even though they saw the time and expertise of Willis (or other consultants) has a place.

"It's a bit stomach-turning to see our solnsulting dollars increase," said Eric Schroeder. "My theme here is more a general one: how can we stay on top of these companies without having to 'go outside'?"

Board President Jim Schaefer understood the concern, but realized "we do need to rely on consultants in this case.  Our job is to educate kids here."

The annual fee for Willis is $51,900, which represents 0.7 percent of the MNSD's total health insurance costs annually. The board ultimately voted 5-2 (Strom and Schroeder opposed) to retain the consultant, but while currently Willis, they felt having the ability to change consultants was something they would want to review.