Balsz Elementary School District has been on the cutting edge of improving employee health and wellness, not only to save money on health care costs to free up funding for more classroom funds, but to show their caring spirit for the dedicated professionals that work there.

Balsz recently held a Health & Wellness Fair with over 200 attendees and vendors.  The event took place on August 31, 2012 at Brunson Lee Elementary School. The folks that deserve the credit for this awesome event are as follows:

Devon Shehan, Assistant Principal at Orangedale School

Chris Canelake, Director of Human Resources

Josh Meibos, PE Teacher at Balsz Elementary School

Darren Hill, PE Teacher

Darien Schoolcraft, PE Teacher

Rob Boehnlein, PE Teacher

Kathleen Dubiac-Venerable, PE Teacher

Darlene Kracht, VSEBT Account Manager

UnitedHealthCare (UHC) provided the Body Mass Index (BMI) testing and Dura Scan machine which checks for skin cancer.  There were many screenings, including grip analysis and other tests.  The attendees also were shown work out techniques and yoga exercises for both break times and regular health routines.  Balsz also takes advantage of the Valley Schools Employee Benefits (VSEBT) group purchasing, which allows them to purchase benefits at the same low costs as the larger districts in the state.  VSEBT preferred providers attended (VSP, MetLife Voluntary Benefits, Delta Dental, Sun Life Financial, UHC and Solis Women’s Health and Mobile Onsite Mammography (MOM).

This and and many other efforts have led to Balsz Elementary School District to reduce the cost of employee benefits, save money for classrooms, and improve the health and morale of their employs.  During tough fiscal times, the folks at Balsz have dedicated themselves to putting in the extra mile, or the extra screenings and yoga, to make a difference!

Balsz employees learning yoga exercises.

UHC Representative shows grip test analysis results to attendees.