“Double-Match” 403(b) TSA Retirement Savings Incentive Program
Attention all Classified Employees! Take advantage of this optional retirement plan to help secure a comfortable retirement. The district will pay 1.25% of your monthly salary into a retirement savings account, if you commit to half that amount.
This “double-match” effectively triples your initial investment each month!
For every thousand dollars you earn:
You contribute: $ 6.25
District contributes: $12.50
Your investment: $18.75
This is an example, using $1,000. The monthly contributions will always be exact percentages of whatever your monthly gross salary is.
403(b) TSA Vendor Fair
You are cordially invited to attend a 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) Vendor Fair This drop-in style format event will be a great opportunity to gather information on tax deferred retirement savings plans. This event will take place in the Ed Center Auditorium between 3:30 and 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2017.
There will be representatives on hand from the 3 eligible vendors who work with 4J Classified employees.
Unable to attend the fair? Open an account with one of the 3 vendors and complete a District 4J Salary Reduction Agreement. Make a copy for your records, then deliver the original to Financial Services in the Ed Center.
American Century Investments: Offering 403(b) mutual fund custodial accounts. Contact a dedicated professional: 1-800-345-3533
VALIC: Offering 403(b) annuity products. Contact Colin McDonnell: 541-687-2221.
Voya: Offering 403(b) annuity products. Contact John Van Ravenhorst: 541-343-2928
The TSA Plan Salary Reduction form may be found on the 4J benefits webpage:
http://www.4j.lane.edu/hr/benefits/faqs-forms-and-publications/. Forms are also available in the Financial Services department.
Jasper Mountain Holiday Drive: November 20 – December 15
For many years OSEA Chapter 1 has sponsored the Annual Jasper Mountain Holiday Drive to benefit the children residing at the Jasper Mountain Child Center. Jasper Mountain is a residential treatment program that provides a loving, nurturing, and stable environment for children who have experienced severe abuse and neglect. Items we have donated in prior years include clothing, school supplies, art supplies, books, DVDs toys, sports equipment, etc.
Many of our schools have programs that help out families during the holidays and we are fortunate to be giving in so many meaningful ways. In addition to these wonderful individualized programs, Jasper Mountain Holiday Drive unites all of us together in giving to our community and bringing joy to abused and neglected children.
Volunteers Needed
A volunteer is needed from each school/building, department to coordinate the drive. This would include wrapping a large box in holiday paper, labeling it Jasper Mountain Holiday Drive, posting the list of suggested items (provided to you), placing it in your staff room or office for a period of about 3 weeks, and helping to get the word out to your colleagues.
We will have volunteers that can pick up the donated items and deliver to Jasper Mountain right before winter break. If you want to help and don’t have a box….we can get you one! Need holiday wrap? No worries ~ we’ve got you covered! If you would like to volunteer, please let me know by Monday, November 6th.
VSP Vision Coverage
Please note that our vision coverage is now offered through VSP, and we no longer use Moda as our vision carrier. To take advantage of your vision coverage, simply let your provider know that you are enrolled with VSP and they will do the rest! To search for a participating provider, or to find out more about your benefits, visit VSP.com and create an account using your OEBB E-number or social security number.
Volunteering makes an immeasurable difference in the lives of others. But did you know how much you help yourself by giving back? From lowering stress to boosting self-confidence, volunteering offers many health benefits.
Check Your Paystub!
Active employees and retirees still receiving a paycheck will see the new insurance rates that took effect October 1, 2017, reflected on their 10/31/2017 paystub. Retirees who have arranged for payment from a bank account will see the change in rates in the November 5, 2017 ACH payment.
Under the Pre-Tax Deductions section of your wage statement, you should see your monthly insurance premium as well as any money you deposit into a Flexible Spending Account or Tax Sheltered Annuity. If you purchased optional life insurance, you’ll see the premiums for that coverage in the After-Tax Deductions.
Please take a few minutes to verify that your deductions and plan elections are correct.
Classified Professional Education Program (PEP) Fund Information
The purpose of the fund is to provide opportunities in professional development and is intended to help classified employees improve professional knowledge, competence, skills, and effectiveness relevant to their current district position*.
The program allows for reimbursement for job-related training activities, tuition reimbursement, registration or material costs, and conferences and workshops.
Normal program rules allow one request per fiscal (school) year, up to $300 for workshops, classes, books or other expenses related to professional development. Requests are processed on a first-come, first served basis until funds run out. PEP fund requests can be found on the HR website: http://www.4j.lane.edu/hr/forms/
Send completed forms to:
PEP Fund, Ed Center Attn.: Diana McElhinney
*PEP funds are limited for staff development options that are initiated by employees. District mandated trainings are not eligible for reimbursement. Employees must obtain principal/supervisor permission to attend all PEP fund eligible professional development. Your building is responsible for coverage and if a substitute is needed please use the Building Professional Development/Activity code in AESOP.
2017-18 Sick Leave Bank Donation Reminder
Classified employees who elected to join the 2017-18 Classified Sick Leave Bank (SLB) during the May 2017 enrollment period will see the donations reflected as a sick leave deduction in the sick leave section on your October 31, 2017 paystub.
Some of the days in November carry the whole memory of summer as a fire opal carries the color of moonrise.
Gladys Taber
Medical Deductible Carryover
If you did not meet your deductible during the 2016-17 plan year, any expenses applied during the last 3 months (July, August, September) will be carried over and applied to the deductible for the following plan year.
EAP ~ Balance Your Life
Call the Employee Assistance Program.
The EAP provides services to help employees privately resolve problems that may interfere with work, family, and other important areas of life.
EAP services include counseling, work-life balance, and wellness resources. As an OEBB member, there is no cost to you or your family members for using EAP services.
It’s fast, easy, and confidential to access EAP services. When you call EAP, you just need to provide 4J District as your employer and basic contact information. During a crisis, you can call to speak with a counselor 24 hours a day.
Call the EAP at 1-866-750-1327 or go online
www.myrbh.com – use access code: OEBB.
Wellness Made Easy
Eating more lentils and other legumes (beans and peas) may lower the risk of diabetes, according to a recent analysis from a study in Clinical Nutrition. Eating at least three servings a week can lower the risk of developing diabetes over a four year period by 35 percent.
Legumes, a source of both protein and carbohydrates, have a low glycemic index and are rich in various nutrients and other compounds, such as potassium, magnesium, polyphenols, and fiber that are associated with improved glucose metabolism and reduced diabetes risk. Researchers suggest eating a least half a serving of legumes a day in place of half a serving of other carbohydrate-rich foods (like bread and rice) or protein foods (like eggs).
Wellness Clinic Closure
The 4J Wellness Clinic will be closed for Thanksgiving: November 23 – 24. Regular clinic hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The clinic is closed for lunch from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. The phone number for the clinic is 541-686-1427.
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This newsletter is reviewed and edited each month by the District 4J and OSEA representatives of the Classified Joint Benefits Committee (JBC).The information in this newsletter is summarized, and is not intended as advice or counsel.
