I read the letter to the editor published March 21 by State Employees Association of N.C. Executive Director Robert Broome. As the superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury Schools, a state employee and a board member of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, I want to share my unique perspective on the changes supported by Broome.

In my role as superintendent, I always have the best interest of teachers and their students in mind. I know that one of the best things we can do for students is to keep their teachers healthy. I have reviewed the Clear Pricing Project’s proposals, and I am very concerned that health is not at the center of the conversation. The plan’s arbitrary reimbursement cuts are not in our teachers’ best interest, despite the premium cuts that may accompany the proposal.

Instead, they are a band-aid solution that does not address long-term cost savings that come from healthier state employees. I believe our teachers, and all state employees, deserve more than that.

As a board member for Rowan Medical Center, I have seen firsthand that cost-effective programs keep people healthy and don’t just focus on treating illnesses.

Novant Health reduces its own health care costs for its employees. It is important that state employees, teachers included, have access to this same kind of health care — one that focuses on wellness and preventive care. Lasting cost savings will only follow if the entire picture is studied.

Finally, like most employers, any decision the school system makes for our teachers and staff keeps these valued employees at the center. We carefully study and engage in conversations with experts before moving forward. I believe all state employees deserve this kind of consideration and urge North Carolina elected officials to take the time to thoughtfully consider and study any changes made to the State Health Plan.

We must ensure changes to the plan allow teachers to have access to the care that keeps them healthy so that together, we can reduce costs.

— Lynn Moody

Salisbury