All plan changes take effect March 1, 2026
Certified Staff Benefits Trust Changes
As mentioned in the February 6 BTA bulletin, changes are coming to the Certified Staff benefits. Please join us at the end of the Rep Council meeting on Wednesday, February 25th for a brief presentation about your new benefits as well as an opportunity to ask and answer questions.
Changes to Orthodontics
Orthodontics will now increase from $1750/dependent to $2500/dependent over the course of their lifetime. This increase will begin on March 1st only for new dependents who receive orthodontics. If your child currently is wearing braces or wore braces in the past, you unfortunately do not get the additional $750 increase.
Change to Vision Plan
The plan will now be an annual plan instead of a biannual plan for both adults and children. You will be able to receive a yearly eye exam and either a year’s supply of contacts or a pair of glasses. Benefits for glasses still include:
- scratch-resistant coating
- polycarbonate lenses for children and adults
- ultra violet coating
- intermediate lenses
- blended segment lenses
- photochromic glass lenses
- standard progressive addition lenses
- premium progressives
- blue light
You can find a list of vision providers within a 10 mile distance of Valhalla here
Stacy Braun Financial Planning
We are offering a brand new benefit: 6 free sessions of financial planning with Stacey Braun Associates. To schedule an appointment, call the number below or scan the QR code and fill out an online form. See the flyers below for more information.
Health and Wellness Reimbursement
All Certified Staff are entitled to up to a $400 monetary reimbursement by the Trust for specific items/services that relate to health and wellness. These items were voted on by the Trustees in their January meeting. The following items will be reimbursed:
- Gym/Fitness
- Gym memberships
- Sporting equipment (no apparel/sneakers)
- Fitness class fees
- Stretch Lab
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Spa Treatments
- Massage
- Facial
- Sauna
- Steam Room
- Body scrubs
- Nutrition
- Diet Program
- Weight watchers
- Jenny Craig
- Meal Kits (these are examples)
- Hello Fresh
- Blue Apron
- Acupuncture
- Reflexology
Purchases must be made between 1/1/26 – 12/31/26. Whether this benefit will be continued will be determined on a yearly basis by the Trustees.
- In order to be reimbursed, members must submit an original receipt (please make a copy for yourself), which clearly lists the items or services purchased as well as proof that this item was paid for in full.
- Receipts can be submitted in 1 of 3 ways:
- PONY to Mairead Schuelein at Transfiguration
- Mail to Stacey DiPaola at treasurer
- Acknowledgement of the receipt will be made to the member in an email.
- Reimbursement will be in the form of a check written to the member and mailed to the member’s home (please make sure you have your correct address on file with the BTA)
Please reach out to the Benefits Trust Trustees if you have any questions.
Tyree Morris – Chairperson
Stacey DiPaola – Treasurer
Jane Shields – Secretary
Peter Schwartzgott – Trustee
Mairead Schuelein – Trustee/President of the BTA
Executive Board and Reps
Mairead Schuelein, President
Jason Poniatowski, Executive Vice President
Stacey DiPaola, Treasurer
Derrick Green, 1st Vice President of Aides
Keith Mattos, 2nd Vice President of ALC
Mike Piccolo, Grievance Chair
Rosalie Consani, Corresponding Secretary
Liz Lopez, Recording Secretary
Julie Crosier, Teacher Rep
Theresa Saive, Teacher Rep
Pierre Fils, CTE Rep
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