Shelby County Board of Education
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4005



FRINGE BENEFITS



In addition to the basic salary, the Board recognizes that certain benefits for full-time employees are an integral part of the total compensation.

Life Insurance
All regular employees under regular contract are eligible to participate in the group life insurance plan. Participation is mandatory for all new professional employees, under regular contract, who must complete the application form at the time of initial processing.

The amount of life insurance to which the employee is entitled is determined by the employee's annual earnings for hourly employees and contractual amount for salaried employees and is equal to two (2) times this amount. Any insurance not in exact multiple of $1,000.00 is adjusted to the next higher $1,000.00. There is an equal amount of Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance coverage. This plan is contributory whereas the Board pays the entire cost.

A physical examination for life insurance is not required of the employee if formal application for insurance coverage is made within thirty (30) days of employment. After the 30-day period, the company requires a statement of health to be forwarded to the home office for approval before employee can be insured. The company may also require a physical before approval of a late registrant's application.

The amount of life insurance for an active employee who reaches age 65 will be reduced by 35% until retirement. The amount of life insurance then in force for all covered employees reduces to 50% raised to the next higher $1,000.00, if not an exact multiple of $1,000.00. This coverage can be converted to an individual policy if employment is terminated before retirement.

Dependent Life Insurance
All employees are eligible to participate in a Group Dependent Life Insurance Program. Participation is optional. Eligible dependents are defined as: the employee's husband or wife (except if legally separated) and unmarried children from fourteen (14) days of age to age nineteen (19). Dependent children who are full time college students can continue in the plan until age 23.

Life insurance for the employee’s spouse is available in amounts from $5,000 to $150,000.  Any amount over $20,000 requires acceptable review of a Statement of Health.  The amount of the life insurance for each dependent child varies based on the child's age with a maximum of $5,000. Dependent life insurance is not available to retirees.

Tax Shelter Annuities Plans
Tax shelter annuities are available for all employees who normally work more than 20 hours per week. These benefits are handled through the Employee Benefits Office.

Accident Insurance (Student Policy)
All regular employees are eligible to participate in the Student's Accident Insurance Plan endorsed by the Shelby County Board of Education. This insurance is available near the beginning of each school year. The employee will pay the entire cost in one annual payment at the local school. Employees not assigned to a school and substitutes may inquire about this insurance through the Employees Benefits Office.

Health Care Benefits
Shelby County Board of Education employees, except part-time and interim teachers, have the option of participating in one of the group health care programs provided by the Shelby County Schools PPO Plan (Cigna) or the Shelby County Schools POS Plan (Cigna). The plans are available with either family or individual coverage. As contributory plans, the Board and the employee share the premium cost. Premiums will be paid by payroll deduction in twenty (20) biweekly payments.  The annual Open Enrollment period is the only time application or changes can be made unless there is a Qualifying Life Event, as defined by the Shelby County Schools Flexible Benefits Plan.  New employees have thirty (30) days after employment to enroll.

Insurance After Retirement
Health Care Plans
All personnel may continue the current health insurance policies through the Shelby County Board of Education, upon retirement, provided the employee has completed fifteen (15) years of service. Ten (10) years of outside service credit as reflected in T.C.R.S. or Tennessee Department of Education records will apply towards the fifteen (15) years of service. The premium rates for all insurance programs will remain the same until such a time as changes are made for the entire group. The Board contribution percentage will be comparable to that of active employees. Coverage will remain the same, subject to changes made within the entire group policy.

Life Insurance
Upon retirement from active service, as determined by the Board, the amount of life insurance then in force reduces 50% raised to the next higher $1,000.00, if not an exact multiple of $1,000.00, with Board contribution percentage being comparable to that of active employees.

Employees must complete fifteen (15) years of service with ten (10) years of outside service credit  as reflected in T.C.R.S. or Tennessee Department of Education records applying towards the fifteen (15) years to maintain the life insurance as a retiree.


All employees with less than fifteen (15) years' service at retirement will have the option of converting the coverage through the individual insurance company to a straight policy. This conversion must be filed for within thirty (30) days after insurance termination with the Shelby County Board of Education. The coverage will be changed when it is converted but details on this will be furnished by a representative of the insurance company when contract is made.

Dependent Life
Dependent life insurance as part of the retirement benefit is not available upon retirement.


Adopted 10/03/66
Revised 02/24/77
Revised 10/29/81
Revised 07/28/83
Revised 04/25/85
Revised 07/26/90
Revised 06/25/98
Revised 05/27/99
Revised 06/29/00
Revised 02/26/04
Edited 06/30/05
Revised 11/30/06
Revised 04/26/07