October 15, 2025

Virginia Beach Schools Face Huge Healthcare Premium Increases and Legal Action

News Summary

Virginia Beach City Public Schools employees and retirees are confronting significant health insurance premium hikes set for January 2026. The increases, varying from $2.04 to $210.97 per pay period for employees and up to $445.25 monthly for retirees, have sparked a lawsuit initiated by over 100 employees. The controversy stems from alleged concealment of premium hikes and the end of subsidies by the superintendent. The school board is considering funding options, but immediate relief remains uncertain. Community support and legal efforts are intensifying, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution to alleviate financial burdens on staff.

Virginia Beach City, VA – Employees of Virginia Beach City Public Schools are facing significant increases in health insurance premiums, with recent discussions at a school board work session failing to provide any resolution. The changes, which will affect both current employees and retirees, are poised to take effect on January 1, 2026, prompting over 100 employees to file a lawsuit against Superintendent Donald Robertson Jr.

Under the new premium structure, employees will see costs rise by amounts ranging from $2.04 to $210.97 more per pay period, based on the specifics of their health plans. Retirees are not exempt from these hikes; their premiums could increase by $52.28 to $445.25 per month. These adjustments represent a notable financial burden for many educators, who have expressed feelings of betrayal and anxiety regarding the changes.

The outcry regarding these premium increases originated in the summer when employees learned of the hikes only after signing their contracts. The lawsuit alleges that Superintendent Robertson concealed information about the premium increases to prevent a mass exodus of staff, a claim that adds to the tension between school employees and administration.

Funding Discussions and School Board Response

During the school board’s recent meeting, members discussed the possibility of infusing the health fund with additional money this year to provide more flexibility for future costs. However, this infusion of funds, if approved, will not impact the immediate premium increases employees are slated to face. The ongoing cost hikes have raised significant concerns within the community, particularly among the school staff who rely on these benefits.

History of Health Care Funding Issues

The current situation has its roots in past decisions made by the school administration. The lawsuit contends that one of the main reasons for the sudden increase in premiums is the superintendent’s decision to end subsidies for employee health insurance. Previous years saw these subsidies costing the district $19 million, indicating a substantial financial impact that has now shifted onto the employees.

Legal Action and Community Support

With over 100 employees having filed the lawsuit, there are discussions of expanding legal action to include more than 200 individuals as more staff come forward with similar complaints. Legal representation is being offered pro bono, and community support is being mobilized through rallies aimed at advocating for employee interests and highlighting the adverse effects of the premium increases.

Superintendent’s Position and Future Steps

Superintendent Robertson has acknowledged the concerns of the employees, explaining that the decision-making process regarding health insurance was tightly constrained by budgetary considerations. A special school board meeting has been scheduled to further discuss the situation in light of the ongoing lawsuit and the rising insurance costs. The outcome of this meeting may play a crucial role in determining the future course of action for dealing with the increasing financial burdens on school employees.

Importance of Resolution

The attorney representing the employees has emphasized the pressing necessity for an immediate resolution to mitigate the impacts of the rising health insurance costs. As the lawsuit and community mobilization continue, both the employees and the school board are under increasing pressure to address these financial challenges in a timely manner.

As discussions progress, the future of health insurance benefits for Virginia Beach City Public Schools employees remains uncertain, posing a significant concern for educators and retirees alike.

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Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER

VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg

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