Life in Central Colorado - Arguably, one of the best parts of working for Salida Schools is the opportunity to live and play in the mountains and valleys surrounding the district. The Salida Chamber of Commerce notes that Salida is one of Colorado’s best places to live. It has a relatively mild climate and spectacular mountain views, and quick access to 14ers and the Arkansas River means all your favorite outdoor activities are just steps from your front door. Salida Schools run four days a week so school staff enjoy a three-day weekend most weeks to enjoy all the adventures the area has to offer. The community is built on a dedication to education, business development, arts and culture, and health and wellness.

In addition to the quality of life in the valley, Salida Schools provide the following benefits to employees:

Retirement Benefits - Colorado PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) - PERA is a defined benefit (also called a pension) plan where PERA invests funds on your behalf and then provides a lifetime monthly benefit in retirement

• Every time you get paid, a portion of your paycheck automatically goes into your PERA retirement account. This money is always yours, even if you leave your job covered by PERA. (Employee contribution = 11% monthly)

• Your employer also contributes to PERA, and PERA invests those dollars for you and all PERA members. ( District contribution = 21.4% monthly)

• For most members, PERA serves as a substitute for Social Security. This means every time you are paid, a portion of your paycheck goes to PERA, not Social Security.

CEBT (Colorado Employer Benefit Trust) Health Insurance Benefit - Salida School District offers each employee full coverage of health insurance benefits. Employees can choose between multiple plans and have the option to cover spouses and dependents for additional premiums. Salida Schools contributes the full cost of the base individual medical plan. Details of the health insurance benefits are included in a separate document. Dental and Vision are optional benefits offered.

Also included in the CEBT Health coverage is:

• TELADOC offers phone consultations with physicians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The cost ranges from $0 to $49 per call.

• HEALTHCARE BLUEBOOK The Healthcare Bluebook is a tool to encourage members to shop for healthcare, keep costs low, and choose top-ranked providers. In most cases, employees receive a cash reward for choosing a low-cost, high-quality provider.

• SURGERY PLUS is a supplemental benefit for non-emergency surgeries that helps CEBT members plan and pay for over 1,500 covered surgical procedures. It gives them access to top-quality, affordable care and concierge-level member service.

• For employees with upcoming non-emergent surgery needs, a SurgeryPlus Care Advocate will assist them in setting up appointments and making travel arrangements. SurgeryPlus waives the deductible and co-insurance, and travel costs (airfare, hotel, food, rental car, etc.) for the patient and a caregiver are included in the procedure price.

• EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): This program offers six free visits with a counselor in person or over the phone. Eligible dependents may share this benefit, which includes mental health support/sessions, life coaching, and financial and legal consultation.

• MODERN HEALTH Another free mental health benefit provides eight support sessions on emotions, careers, relationships, health, finances, and general staff well-being. Both 1:1 and small group sessions are available.

• OMADA HEALTH is a digital care solution offering four programs focusing on pre-diabetes (prevention), diabetes, hypertension, & musculoskeletal issues.

• AMERICAN FIDELITY supplemental insurance options

• Accident Insurance

• Cancer Insurance

• Long-Term Disability Income Insurance

• Whole and Term Life Insurance options

• FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (FSA) & HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (HSA)- Employees can set money aside pre- or post-tax to cover certain known medical-related expenses associated with Medical and Dependent Care (child or elder care). The annual limit is the IRS limit at the beginning of open enrollment in the fall. FSA spending accounts are “use it or lose it” accounts, so funds should only be set aside for known medical expenses. In contrast, the HSA is a personal savings plan that rolls over each year to cover unforeseen medical and other qualified expenses.

Leave Accrual for Staff - All district full-time employees are entitled to ten (10) workdays of PTO per contract/work agreement year. Employees who work part-time receive PTO on a prorated basis for the then-current contract/work agreement year.

Tuition Reimbursement Program - The district will provide all certified staff members with the following tuition credit plan: Certified staff members can be reimbursed for pre-approved college credit courses completed during the fiscal year. The fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30. Up to fifteen (15) semester hours will be reimbursed at a rate not to exceed $45.00 per credit hour.

Priority Enrollment for Children at Salida Early Childhood Center - Staff members of Salida Schools get priority consideration for their children to attend Salida Early Childhood Center.

Bereavement - Hours equal to 5 regular working days of paid bereavement leave shall be granted to all eligible employees in case of the death of an employee's immediate family member (father, mother, sister, brother, spouse, partner in a civil union, or child).