Statewide insurance trust offers millions in tax savings for school districts

The Florida Educator Health Trust (FLEHT) is offering millions in health savings for participating school districts, the group announced this week.

The nonprofit health insurance trust is established to help Florida school districts save on employee health plans without having to pass along benefit reductions.

“We set out to provide much-needed services to school districts without compromising benefits to educators, and it is working,” said Ted Roush, a former Superintendent of Schools and FLEHT Executive Director. “In the districts where we have signed agreements, they are realizing savings in the millions of dollars and as we grow and achieve significant economies of scale, those savings will not only continue but will increase substantially.”

The FLEHT realizes savings for school districts by bringing districts together to deliver efficient health programs for employees.

“By harnessing the power of the group district membership, FLEHT is able to perform for the whole what is not possible individually in the insurance marketplace,” Roush explained.

Formerly known as the FSHIP program, it was established in 2009 by the Florida School Board Insurance Trust. The program transitioned to FLEHT under the Florida Association of district School Superintendents this year. The change was meant to align the needs of Florida educators.

“In the very short time we have had FLEHT on board, we have already saved over $1 million, and we are excited to see how this continues to unfold,” Brevard County School Board Vice Chair Megan Wright said. “We are saving taxpayers funds while improving the benefits for our employees.”

The FLEHT under its new structure is overseen by an executive committee composed of Superintendents, with all member districts represented with voting trustees.

Hendry County was one of the FLEHT founding members.

“Our goal was to stop the hemorrhaging of funds that were required to keep up with premium increases from fully insured models. After two years in the FLEHT program, we have saved nearly $5 million in our health insurance fund. These are tangible savings that occurred while maintaining or increasing benefits to our valued employees,” Hendry County Superintendent of Schools Mike Swindle said.

Polk County Superintendent of Schools Fred Heid similarly praised the program.

“This partnership has produced measurable value for our district — delivering significant cost savings in both manpower and direct expenditures,” he said. “This partnership is more than a cost-saving measure — it’s a strategic investment that has elevated our operational capacity and positioned the district for smarter, more sustainable decision-making.”