Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/194514
Sarasota News Leader October 18, 2013 Page 25 employees' health concerns. "We have to act in a way that will help us change that bottom line," she added, referring to insurance costs. "We do care about the health of our staff and their productivity … But we also care about how much we're devoting to healthcare benefits, because that takes money away from the classroom." DISTRICT SUCCESSES During her presentation, DuBose did note positive news for the district's wellness program during the previous school year. One thousand ninety staff members underwent a health risk appraisal, up from 546 in the 201112 school year, she said. "That's actually very good," she pointed out, based on general statistics for such participation. Superintendent Lori White listens to remarks during the Oct. 15 workshop. Photo by Rachel Hackney Noting that diabetes "is a high cost driver," she added that about 23 percent of the district's diagnosed with diabetes, DuBose responded, 600 diabetic employees engaged in a program "That's the latest number." to help them deal with that condition. The program for which those employees are The goal was to increase that participation eligible is run by Florida Blue, she added; it is 10 percent over the previous year's rate, she not run by the district, and, therefore, she has pointed out. no access to the names of those employees. When Goodwin asked for clarification that "The most we can do is market and commuthe district has 600 people who have been nicate the program," DuBose told the School Board. We do care about the health of our staff and their productivity … But we also care about how much we're devoting to healthcare benefits, because that takes money away from the classroom. Lori White Superintendent Sarasota County Schools During staff meetings, she added, she offers encouragement for participation. Additionally, DuBose said, she has been working over the past several weeks with representatives of Florida Blue and the South County YMCA with the hope that pre-diabetic district employees can participate in a program the Y offers to help them reduce their risk level.