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July 09.2025

2 Minutes Read

Revamping Employee Benefits: A Game-Changer for Orange County Public Schools

Caring healthcare worker supporting elderly patient showcasing employee retention strategies.

Transforming Benefits to Enhance Employee Health in Education

Rising healthcare costs continue to challenge HR professionals across various industries, and education is no exception. In the face of a projected 5.8% increase in benefits costs for 2025 by Mercer, school districts must find innovative ways to manage these financial pressures while attracting and retaining talent.

Setting the Scene: Orange County Public Schools

At the forefront of this transformation is Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) in Central Florida, one of the largest school districts in the nation, boasting over 24,000 employees and 215 schools serving 208,000 students. Recognizing the need to stay competitive, OCPS recently adopted a pioneering strategy to revamp their employee benefits.

Advanced Primary Care: A Game-Changer

OCPS’s innovative approach centers around the implementation of an advanced primary care model. Unlike traditional healthcare systems that operate on a fee-for-service basis, this new model allows for a per-member fee that provides employees with comprehensive access to healthcare experts at little to no cost. By incorporating on-site clinics and a dedicated healthcare team, OCPS has seen significant strides in employee health, engagement, and overall retention.

"We aimed to be creative in breaking the cycle of exorbitant costs, and luckily, this change allowed us to increase our employees' engagement while managing expenses effectively," said Beth Curran, senior director of risk management at OCPS.

The Future of Benefits in Education

The decision to explore advanced primary care aligns with broader workforce strategies aimed at cultivating a people-first leadership culture. Not only does this shift promote employee wellness, but it also positions OCPS competitively in the talent management landscape, particularly in an educational sector where performance-driven leadership becomes increasingly critical.

Conclusion: Building a High-Performance Culture

As schools and districts evaluate their employee retention strategies, advancements in healthcare access such as those implemented at OCPS could redefine how organizations approach workforce optimization. By prioritizing employee health and well-being through innovative benefit offerings, school districts can foster a high-performance culture that supports both staff and student success.

People & Performance

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