Bryan, Texas School Board Implements Health Insurance Changes and Addresses Community Safety Concerns

Exciting Developments in Bryan, Texas

In the heart of Bryan, Texas, the local school board met on September 23, 2024, and made some important decisions that will impact both staff and students in the coming year. During this meeting, the Bryan Independent School District (BISD) board members approved this year’s health insurance plans and rates. Overall, there’s plenty of news to catch up on from this busy week!

Improvements to Health Insurance Plans

This year, the district’s share of health insurance costs rose by six percent. For BISD employees, premiums will increase by three percent. While any increase can be worrying, the board unanimously voted to support this change, indicating a commitment to the well-being of the staff and their families.

What caught many board members’ attention was an ongoing issue with an unidentified free-standing emergency room that has billed Bryan ISD almost $21 million over the past three years! To make matters clearer, the district has already paid about $4 million for roughly 4,500 claims from this single provider. This raised eyebrows during the discussions, prompting calls for a closer examination to prevent such staggering bills in the future.

Community Safety in the Spotlight

nine warrants from Brazos County and a parole violation. Following a search of his home, officers seized seven guns, an undisclosed amount of cash, and various quantities of substances including cocaine, methamphetamine, phencyclidine, and marijuana. This arrest underscores ongoing efforts in the community to ensure safety and combat illegal activities.

Support for Breast Health

In another important community event, the Pink Alliance, a local organization dedicated to breast health and cancer support, held its 21st Surviving and Thriving Luncheon this past Wednesday. The keynote speaker, Kim Becking, shared her inspiring story, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and early detection in battling cancer. “You’re taking action because we know early detecting saves lives,” said Becking. Her own experience battling breast cancer at just 30 years old drives her mission to encourage everyone to stay vigilant about their health.

Becking’s book, “Nordies at Noon,” touches on the challenges she and other young women faced when discussing breast cancer, emphasizing the need for awareness and support within this demographic. Since its inception in 2003, the Surviving and Thriving Luncheon has raised an impressive $1.24 million to aid local breast health initiatives, showing the community’s strength in fighting this disease.

Red Cross Making a Difference

Meanwhile, Jennifer Young, the local director of the Red Cross, is bracing for her third deployment in four months. After assisting in Baton Rouge and the Houston area, she is now preparing to head to Charlotte, North Carolina, in response to Hurricane Helene. In a time when hurricanes have been frequent, the Red Cross is ramping up its efforts and seeking assistance in three key areas: financial donations, an urgent need for more than 300 volunteers, and blood donors to compensate for over 1,500 donations that were missed due to canceled blood drives.

If you’re feeling inspired to help, there are plenty of opportunities available through the Red Cross – every little bit can make a huge difference in the lives of those affected by natural disasters.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, there’s a lot happening in Bryan, from healthcare decisions affecting teachers and staff, community safety measures, to vital health initiatives and disaster response efforts. It’s clear that the residents of Bryan are coming together in remarkable ways, and there’s much more to anticipate as we move forward. Stay informed and engaged with your community!