[classicman]

The contract required the school district to purchase health insurance from a company called WEA Trust. The creation of Wisconsin's largest teachers union -- "WEA" stands for Wisconsin Education Association -- WEA Trust made money when union officials used collective bargaining agreements to steer profitable business its way.
The problem for Hartland-Lakeside was that WEA Trust was charging significantly higher rates than the school district could find on the open market.

from another article...

In the Hartland-Lakeside district, which faced a loss in state aid of $1.3 million, savings from staff contributions to pension and insurance yielded about $900,000. The district had reduced its budget through a reorganization effort the year before and also found $400,000 in other savings to replace the lost state aid.

Heading into the 2011-2012 school year, the district has been able to replace all retiring teachers (nearly 15 percent of the staff). In addition, Hartland-Lakeside has expanded its charter schools, and has put in place an innovative third and fourth grade virtual parent classroom. Enrichment opportunities for students, including extra support for students who need help, have been expanded, according to Superintendent Glenn Schilling.

Stephen Schiell, superintendent in Amery, says there’s no catastrophe in his district, either. “Next year will again be a challenge without the federal jobs money (federal stimulus money from the Obama administration) ... Not having to bargain with the union will make it easier to balance. Remember, we can always have our employees pay more for their benefits. The law does not have a cap.”

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