Why work for District 15?

District 15 offers competitive pay and benefits to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits Guide

2025 Employee Benefits Guide

2024 Employee Benefits Guide

Your needs, and those of your family, are unique to you. That’s why CCSD15 provides a comprehensive and flexible benefits program that you can customize to fit your personal situation. Our program offers you and your family important healthcare coverage and financial security.

Some of the benefits we offer are paid for in full by CCSD15. For others, it is a shared contribution between you and CCSD15. Other benefits are also available to you at reasonable group rates.

Your benefits are an important part of your total compensation at CCSD15. Please take the time to review the Employee Benefits Guide and evaluate all the options available to you and your family.

This guide is not intended to be a complete description of the insurance coverage offered, nor is it a binding contract. Controlling provisions are provided in each benefit plan policy. This guide also serves as a Summary of Material Modifications (“SMM”) and includes updates that affect CCSD15 Summary Plan Descriptions. Please keep this guide with your Summary Plan Descriptions for future reference. If there is any discrepancy between this guide, the Summary Plan Descriptions and the Plan document, the Plan document will control. CCSD15 reserves the right to end, suspend, or amend their plans or the benefits provided thereunder, at any time, for any reason, in whole or in part.

Eligibility

Who is Eligible?

You are eligible for CCSD15 benefits if you are:

An active full-time employee working 30 or more hours per week

Your dependents are eligible if they are:

Your legal spouse
Your civil union spouse as defined by state law
Your child(ren)* up to age 26
Your disabled child(ren) up to any age (if disabled prior to age 19)*

* Includes natural, step, legally adopted/or a child placed for adoption, or a child under your legal guardianship.

Open Enrollment

Annual Open Enrollment Dates: May 1-31 • Effective Date of Changes: July 1

Open enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to review your benefit plan elections and make adjustments that meet the needs of you and your family. This is an exciting opportunity being offered to all staff members to review their current selections, enroll in new offerings, and make any changes to your dependents or beneficiaries.

Changes to medical, dental, vision, and other voluntary benefits made during open enrollment will go into effect on July 1.

When Can I Enroll in Benefits?

You can enroll for benefits:

Within 30 days of first becoming eligible for benefits
During the annual Open Enrollment period
During the plan year, if you experience a Qualifying Life Event

When Does Coverage Begin?

Benefits for new hires, unless explained otherwise, will become effective on your start date. New ID cards for any employee who changes medical plans will be issued prior to July 1, 2025. Cards will be mailed directly to each employee’s home address. Consequently, please be sure that your mailing address is updated in Skyward.

How Do I Enroll in Benefits?

You must actively enroll in all benefits that require employee contributions. You will be automatically enrolled in all District paid benefits.

Benefit Changes Throughout the Year

The benefit elections you make during your initial enrollment period will be in effect on your start date. If you have a “qualified life event,” you may make changes to certain benefits if you apply for the change and provide supporting documentation to Human Resources within 30 days of the event. Proof of life events is subject to approval by CCSD15. Changes are effective retroactive to the date of the event.

Qualifying life events include, but are not limited to:

Your marriage
Your divorce or legal separation
Birth, adoption or placement for adoption of an eligible child
Death of your spouse or covered child
Change in you or your spouse work status that affects benefits eligibility (for example, starting a new job, leaving a job, changing from part-time to fulltime, starting or returning from an unpaid leave of absence, etc.)
Your spouse’s Open Enrollment
A change in your child’s eligibility for benefits
Gain or loss of Medicare or Medicaid during the year
Relocation

Other qualifying events may also apply. Please contact Human Resources.

Termination of Coverage

If you or a covered dependent no longer meet the eligibility requirements or if your employment ceases, your medical, dental, vision and Health Care FSA coverage will end on the last day of the month in which you become ineligible.

You may be eligible to elect COBRA for yourself and your eligible dependents for medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Life and AD&D coverage will end on the day you become ineligible. Your life coverages are convertible.

You are responsible for informing Human Resources within 30 days if any of your dependents become ineligible for benefits.

First page of the PDF file: 2024-25COBRARates

Medical - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IL

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IL

CCSD15 offers 4 medical plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois with the following features:

Option to receive care from in-network or out-of-network providers (for non-HMO plans); higher benefits are paid when using in-network providers BCBS of Illinois.
Preventive care is covered at 100% when using an in-network provider.
Includes prescription drug coverage.
Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums accumulate on a plan year basis from July 1–June 30.
If you enroll in the High Deductible PPO, you can open and contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) to help cover some of your medical plan costs (refer to HSA for more information).
For a comparison of the plans, please refer to the Medical Plans Comparison Chart in the Employee Benefits Guide. Specific benefit levels and limitations can be found in the plan summaries and Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC).

2025 Employee Benefits Guide

Finding In-Network Providers

To search for in-network medical providers, log onto www.bcbsil.com. When prompted to select a plan, click on Network Name.

New Blue Choice Options PPO: Choose the Blue Choice Optins (BCO) Network.
HDHP PPO with HSA: Choose the Participating Provider Organization (PPO) Network.
HMO A & HMO C: Choose the Blue Advantage HMO Network (Both HMO A & HMO C).

A Note About Health Care Reform

If you choose to purchase individual coverage through the Marketplace, you should know that because CCSD15’s medical insurance meets specific ACA requirements, you may not be eligible to receive a federal subsidy. Additional information is available at www.healthcare.gov.

Blue Access for Members (BAM)

After you are enrolled in a CCSD15 medical plan, log into the Blue Access for Members (BAM) at bcbsil.com and register to access self-service tools and resources to help manage your medical benefits.

BAM provides you with immediate and secure access to your claims activity and benefit details. You can also find network doctors and hospitals, use the Cost Estimator tool, request new ID cards and explore wellness information.

Blue Access Mobile allows you to access BAM through your mobile device. With this, you can download the Provider Finder app, get text notifications about claims, and view wellness tips. If would you like us to send you a link to download our app to your mobile phone, just text B C B S I L A P P to 3 3 6 3 3.

You can also find a doctor, hospital or urgent care facility from your mobile phone. We can text you the link to our mobile website. Just text I L D O C to 3 3 6 3 3.
You can download or order an ID card right from your mobile phone. Our Mobile app now has the functionality to save the ID Card to your Passbook on you iOS device or Google Wallet on your Android device. We can text you the link to our mobile website. Just text I L I D to 3 3 6 3 3.

Blue Choice Options PPO

Blue Choice Options is a tiered PPO plan offered through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Below is a summary of each tier:

Tier 1 is the Blue Choice Options Network. This tier provides the highest level of benefits resulting in the lowest out-of-pocket costs. Over 87% of participating providers in the BCBS PPO network are in Tier 1, including Endeavor Health, Northwest Community, Advocate, Northwestern, Loyola, Rush Oak Park and Rush University Medical Center.
Tier 2 is the PPO Network. Since providers in Tier 2 are higher cost, benefits are reduced. High profile providers in Tier 2 include University of Chicago Medical Center and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Tier 3 is Out-of-Network. Tier 3 has the lowest benefit levels as providers have not agreed to contracted rates with BCBS of IL.

The Deductibles and Out-Of-Pocket Maximums cross accumulate between Tier 1 and Tier 2. This allows you to use Tier 2 providers and limit total out-of-pocket expenses by staying in-network.

Blue Choice Options (BCO) is an Illinois-based network. If you enroll in this plan and travel outside Illinois, you will be covered at the Tier 1 level of coverage. If you live in a border state such as Indiana and Wisconsin, call BCBS to determine whether providers in IN or WI will be considered Tier 1 or Tier 2 providers.

For a comparison of the plans, please refer to the Medical Plans Comparison Chart in the Employee Benefits Guide. Specific benefit levels and limitations can be found in the plan summaries and Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC).

2025 Employee Benefits Guide

HDHP PPO with HSA

HMO A

HMO C

Prescription Drugs (RX)

When you enroll in a medical plan, you receive comprehensive prescription drug coverage through CVS Caremark. Some medications may be subject to prior authorization, quantity limits or step therapy requirements to be approved for coverage.

www.caremark.com

Customer Care: 888-202-1654

Three ways to obtain prescription drugs:

Retail Pharmacy (up to 34-day supply)
1. Call to locate a participating retail pharmacy
2. View a list of approved drugs
Mail Order (up to 90-day supply)
1. Use for maintenance drugs such as medication for high blood pressure, arthritis, or diabetes
2. Pay less than retail pharmacy for a 90-day supply
3. No additional cost for delivery
Specialty Pharmacy (30-day supply)
1. Medications used to treat complex conditions such as multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, and rheumatoid arthritis
2. Prescription can only be filled once every 30 days

See the Employee Benefits Guide for more information.

2025 Employee Benefits Guide

CRX International Pharmacy

Through CRX Pharmacy, you can receive a 90-day supply of brand name maintenance medications at no cost! This program is only available for members enrolled in the Traditional PPO and HMO plans.

Search GoodRX for Cheaper Prices!

Search GoodRx* for Cheaper Prices Drug prices sometimes vary significantly between pharmacies.

GoodRx collects and compares prices for every FDA approved prescription drug at more than 70,000 pharmacies. Access GoodRx at www.goodrx.com to find the lowest price pharmacy near you and/or print FREE coupons. You can also get coupons on-the-go through GoodRx’s mobile app – just show your phone to the pharmacist.

*If you use GoodRx or pay the lower cash price, the amount you pay will not apply toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.

Galileo Virtual Care (For PPO & HDHP PPO w/HSA only)

Both the PPO and the HDHP PPO with HSA medical plans include Galileo - Virtual Care.

Galileo provides 24-7-365 access to board-certified physicians by secure video chat. Members on the PPO pay a $0 copay and members on the HDHP PPO with HSA pay a $45 copay.

For an illness or injury that is not an emergency, the Galileo telemedicine program offers a convenient, cost-effective alternative to hospital emergency rooms and urgent care clinics.

Galileo is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor but rather provide access to healthcare when reaching the doctor is difficult or inconvenient.

Galileo can diagnose, recommend treatment and write prescriptions for minor, non-life-threatening conditions including, but not limited to:

Allergies
Arthritic Pain
Bronchitis
Cold / Flu
Ear Infections
Headaches / Migraines
Insect Bites
Sinus Infections
Nausea / Stomach Aches
Pink Eye
Skin Infections
Sore Throat

Services include:

Primary Care
Behaviorial Health
Annual Wellness Exams
Pediatrics
Second Opinions
much more!

All providers have 10+ years of medical practice experience and are able to manage 90% of all cases without a referral to in-office care.

All of your medical care through Galileo is at no cost to you; if your Galileo provider sends in a prescription for you to fill, your standard insurance costs for the medication would be charged when you fill the prescription.

Hinge Health - (For PPO Only)

As a member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, you have access to personalized care through Hinge Health for your back, knee, hip, shoulder, or neck. With the help of a personal coach and physical therapist, you'll get personalized exercise therapy and feedback through the Hinge Health app. Your tailored treatment plan can help you reduce pain or recover from a pst injury without drugs or surgery.

Best of all, this benefit is 100% covered by your plan for you and your eligible family members.

Sign up to receive:

A personalized program. Get unlimited exercises and stretches developed for you by physical therapists. Reduce your pain with a plan that's personalized for your needs, goals, and ability.
A dedicated therapist, coach, and more. Get guidance from your physical therapist to improve your mobility. Stick to your goals with support from your health coach. Connect via text, email, phone call, or video chat.
Convenient exercise sessions. With the app, you can do your exercise theraphy anytime, anywhere. Plus, your exercises are designed so they can be done in about 15 minutes or less.

How do I get started?

Hinge Health will reach out to eligibile members with program details and next steps.

Zero Health - (For PPO Only)

If enrolled in the Traditional PPO, you can receive medical services at no cost through Zero. Zero can be used for such procedures as labs, MRI’s and physical therapy.

ZERO is a new benefit that is available to Traditional PPO members. With ZERO, you have access to thousands of procedures and services for $0 including lab work, advanced imaging, x-rays, physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, and much more, completely free to you!

Health Savings Account (HSA) - (For HD PPO only)

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings vehicle available to individuals covered by an HSA Plan. Funds in the account are used to pay for qualified medical, dental and vision expenses.

An HSA is a great way to save for the future. You can set aside money from each paycheck now and save funds to cover healthcare expenses that come up later. Plus, your contributions are free from federal income tax, so you’re stretching your healthcare dollars while lowering your taxable take-home pay.

HSA funds can only be used for yourself, your spouse and your taxable dependents. Expenses for other dependents who do not qualify as tax dependents are not reimbursable under the HSA.

Advantages of an HSA:

Balance rolls over each year so you won’t lose your contributions
Triple tax savings — you do not pay federal tax* on:
- Contributions to the account
- Spending on qualified expenses
- Interest that accrues
Account is portable, so the funds are yours even if you change medical plans next year or leave CCSD15
Use the funds (now or in the future) for eligible medical, dental or vision expenses, including coinsurance costs, prescriptions, glasses, orthodontia and more
Money left in the savings account earns tax-free interest*

*Tax treatment of HSAs for state tax purposes may vary by state.

Funding and Enrolling in an HSA

You can change the amount you contribute to your HSA at any time during the plan year. To enroll in an HSA, you must enroll in the High-Deductible PPO. An HSA is an account that you open through the financial institution of your choice. Once your HSA is opened, remember to designate a beneficiary for this account.

See the Employee Benefits Guide for more information.

2025 Employee Benefits Guide

Dental - Delta Dental of Illinois

CCSD15 offers one dental plan through Delta Dental of IL. Your choice of dentists can determine the cost savings you receive.

In-network providers are paid directly by Delta Dental and agree to accept negotiated fees as “payment in full” for services rendered. In-network coverage is provided when you use Delta Dental providers. To search for in-network providers, go to www.deltadentalil.com and click on Find a Provider.

When you use out-of-network providers, Delta Dental will apply the applicable percentage of the allowed amount and you are responsible for paying the balance of the bill.

See the Employee Benefits Guide for plan year premiums, coverage and deductible information.

2025 Employee Benefits Guide

Vision - VSP

All employees eligible for benefits are automatically enrolled in single vision coverage.

Routine eye exams are important for maintaining good vision and can also provide early warning of other health conditions. The VSP vision plan provides coverage for exams, glasses and contact lenses, as shown below. In-network coverage is provided when you use VSP providers. To search for providers, log onto www.vsp.com.

See the Employee Benefits Guide for more information.

2025 Employee Benefits Guide

Basic Life/AD&D Insurance - Reliance Standard

Basic Life/AD&D

CCSD15 provides Basic Life insurance coverage through Reliance Standard. This coverage includes an Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) provision that also pays a benefit in the event of acccidental death and certain other conditions.

Basic Life and AD&D insurance is administered by Reliance Standard and is paid for by CCSD15 at no cost to you. You are automatically enrolled in these benefits.

Having appropriate life insurance coverage is a critical part of planning for your family’s current and future financial needs. Proceeds from life insurance can help with salary replacement, mortgage protection, cost of childcare, debt repayment and children’s education expenses.

CCSD15 provides Basic Life insurance coverage. This coverage includes an Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) provision that also pays a benefit in the event of accidental death and certain other conditions.

(According to federal law, only the first $50,000 of employer-paid life insurance is not taxable. Premium paid by CCSD15 for coverage levels over $50,000 will be taxable to you and will be included on your year-end W-2 statement.)

Voluntary Life & AD&D - Reliance Standard

As a new hire, you can purchase Voluntary Life insurance for you, your legal spouse and dependent children without providing medical information up to certain guarantee issue (GI) amounts. If you leave CCSD15 this coverage can be taken with you.

Employee and spouse amounts applied for over the GI as a new hire will require you to provide Evidence of Insurability (EOI) for review and approval by Reliance Standard. If you elect not to enroll within 30 days of your date of hire, you will still be able to purchase coverage in the future. However, ALL amounts elected will be subject to the EOI requirements provision. At that time, if your EOI is not satisfactory to Reliance Standard you will not have Voluntary Life coverage. To complete an Evidence of Insurability please go to Reliance Standard.

To enroll in Voluntary Spouse and/or Child Life, you must be enrolled in Voluntary Employee Life. Benefit amounts reduce at age 65. Please refer to the benefit summary for details.

*Guarantee issue is the amount of coverage you or your dependents can elect up to without medical questions. Guarantee issue is only available to newly benefit eligible employees.

See the Employee Benefits Guide for more information.

2025 Employee Benefits Guide

Please read the Voluntary, Portable Term Life Insurance from Reliance Standard Insurance Company document carefully as it contains information regarding coverage amounts, monthly premiums, guarantee issue amounts, and when Evidence of Insurability is required.

Long-Term Disability Insurance - Reliance Standard

CCSD15 offers LTD insurance at no cost to you. Administered by Reliance Standard, you are automatically enrolled in these benefits.

f you were to be out of work due to an injury or illness, could you and your family survive without a paycheck? Disability insurance is essentially “paycheck” insurance, ensuring you will receive a portion of your income if you were out of work due to injury or illness. CCSD15 offers LTD insurance for eligible employee classes at no cost to you. Administered by Reliance Standard, you are automatically enrolled in these benefits.

Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance LTD insurance offers a monthly benefit to help replace lost income if you experience a disability lasting longer than 90 days. Proof of disability is required.

Benefit Begins: After 90 Days of qualified disability
Benefit Amount: 60% of basic monthly earnings to a $10,000 maximum
Benefit Duration: Social Security Normal Retirement Age (SSNRA)

Disability claims for newly covered employees will be denied if you received medical treatment, medical advice, care or services or took prescribed drugs or medicines in the last 3 months prior to the effective date of this coverage and the disability began in the first 12 months after your effective date of coverage.

Decreasing Term Life Insurance - (IMRF Only) - NCPERS

AVAILABLE TO IMRF COVERED EMPLOYEES ONLY!

If you are currently an active member of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), you are eligible to purchase decreasing term life insurance coverage with the National Conference on Public Employees Retirement Systems (NCPERS). This plan is underwritten by The Prudential Insurance Company of America and administered by Member Benefits (800-525-8056).

You have an opportunity to enroll in this coverage during the open enrollment month of October.

This life insurance is designed to supplement other life insurance you may have. You should consider the following features:

The NCPERS plan is affordable -- $16.00 per month regardless of your age.
Coverage for your eligible dependents is included in your premium amount.
You do not need to answer any health questions or take a medical exam.
Any active IMRF employee can continue coverage into retirement if receiving a monthly IMRF retirement check.

If you are an IMRF covered employee and interested in this coverage, please review the IMRF Group Decreasing Term Life Insurance brochure and complete the corresponding Enrollment and Beneficiary Form.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

If you are a teacher or other TRS employee, this insurance DOES NOT APPLY. You must be an active member of IMRF.
If you are already enrolled in this coverage, you do not need to re-enroll.
Original hard copy enrollment forms must be returned to Samantha Dezort, dezorts@ccsd15.net, no later than October 31, 2024.

Transamerica Voluntary Plans

Changes to medical, dental, vision, and other voluntary benefits made during open enrollment will go into effect on July 1.

In addition, CCSD15 offers other voluntary plan options for your to consider for your peace of mind:

Transamerica Voluntary Plans:

Accident—Accident benefits make accidents less painful financially. When you are injured, accident benefits pay benefits over and above what your medical plan may pay. These benefits are important because accidents happen out of the blue with no time to prepare for the associated medical costs. Your employer offers accident benefits for you to consider for your peace of mind in the result of an accident.
Critical Illness—Critical Illness insurance is designed to come to the rescue of those budget-conscious families by helping pay the costs associated with the initial occurrence of cancer, heart attack, stroke, or other serious illness as defined in the policy. You choose your benefit amount. Benefits are also available for your spouse and eligible children.
Hospital Indemnity—Transamerica’s Hospital Indemnity plan can complement your health insurance to help you pay for the costs associated with a hospital stay. It can also provide funds that can be used to help pay the out-of-pocket expenses your medical plan may not cover, such as co-insurance, copays, and deductibles. This plan also allows you to continue coverage even if your employment ends or when the policy is terminated and not being replaced.
Universal Life—There is no way to know what will happen tomorrow. But there is a way to help ensure you are protected against the unexpected. Transamerica's universal life insurance can help meet your family's future financial needs in the event of your premature passing. Prudent financial planning can help protect your family's future, offering them greater peace of mind.

See the Employee Benefits Guide for more information.

2025 Employee Benefits Guide

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow you to set money aside for certain eligible expenses and draw from it throughout the year to pay for those expenses. The money is set aside pre-tax, reducing your taxable income.

Three types of FSAs are available:

Health Care
Limited Purpose - HSA participants only
Dependent Care

How the FSA Works

As a new hire (and again during Open Enrollment), you select the amount of money you wish to deposit into the FSA for the entire plan year. The plan year for the FSA benefit is July 1 to June 30. The total amount is then equally divided by the number of pay periods remaining in that year and that amount is deducted from each paycheck. The money is set aside in your FSA account(s).

As you incur eligible expenses, you file a claim form (along with copies of your receipts) and are reimbursed for such expenses from the account. Employees who enroll in the Health Care (or Limited Purpose) FSA will receive an FSA debit card to pay for qualified purchases, eliminating the need to submit a paper claim and wait for reimbursement.

Health Care FSA

Limited Purpose FSA

Dependent Care FSA

Dependent Care FSA - Available to all benefit eligible employees

Dependent Care FSAs are used to pay for the costs of dependent care that enable you to work. This care may be for a child under age 13 and for older dependents, including children, spouses and parents who are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves and who live with you for more than half the year. Eligible expenses include daycare, before-school and after-school care, babysitters and elder daycare. For the 2025 calendar year, you can deposit up to $5,000 to a Dependent Care FSA ($2,500 if you are married and filing separately).

Please Note: Money cannot be transferred between the accounts (i.e., you cannot use money from your Health Care FSA to pay for dependent care expenses and vice versa).

Annual Required Federal Notices

Minimum Essential Coverage

As of January 1, 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) required individuals to have minimum essential coverage (MEC), have an exemption, or pay a tax penalty.

To help you answer questions on your federal tax return, we can provide some basic information about your coverage. Your health coverage provided by CCSD15 is considered MEC for purposes of your federal taxes. If you enroll in only dental and/or vision benefits, those coverages are generally not considered MEC.

Please consult your tax professional if you require assistance in filing your tax returns.

Retirement & Investment Plans

IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund)

IMRF has provided employees of local governments and school districts in Illinois (with the exception of the City of Chicago and Cook County) with a sound and efficient system for the payment of retirement, disability, and death benefits.

IMRF is a defined benefit plan that provides a lifetime of income protection. IMRF benefits include:

Retirement benefits
With enough time and service credit, you can become eligible for an IMRF pension. You never outlive your IMRF pension—it is payable for life.
Disability
Your IMRF benefits include disability protection if you become disabled. IMRF provides two types of disability benefits: temporary, and total and permanent.
Death benefits
IMRF provides certain benefits to your beneficiaries if you pass away.

Employees covered by the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) can now check their records on IMRF's website.

IMRF Website

Just click the Member Access link atop the column of links on the left side of the page, and then click the "Register Today" link in the center of the page to create a user ID and password. Then you will be able to ...

view your service information,
check your benefits,
update your contact information,
create an estimate of your pension,
view your member statement, or
register for an IMRF workshop.

The Illinois Pension Code requires all IMRF employers with a website must include a link to the IMRF Employer Cost & Participation Information web page, no later than January 1 each year.

TRS (Teachers' Retirement System)

Investment Plans - 403(b) & 457(b)

All District employees (even part-time employees and subs) are eligible to participate in a traditional 403(b), Roth 403(b), and/or 457(b) plan.

As an employee of an educational institution, you are eligible to participate in a tax-deductible, tax-deferred savings plan for retirement. A 403(b) plan allows you to make contributions to one of the District's pre-approved companies through payroll deduction. Your contributions will not be included in your current taxable income, nor will you currently pay income taxes on the interest earned in your 403(b) plan.

Under a Roth 403(b) plan, contributions are made on an after-tax basis; earnings can be withdrawn tax-free as long as withdrawals are made after age 59½ and after the account has been in existence for at least 5 years. We currently offer Roth 403(b) plans through two vendors.

While the district does not contribute into your 403(b) or 457(b) as it does toward your pension, this is still a wonderful way for you to save toward your retirement.

Please direct any personal financial questions to the financial advisor you select, and feel free to contact me with any other questions.

Advancement Opportunities

The School District 15 staff is the most important asset. The district's human resource development program focuses on helping each person achieve his or her highest level of productivity. A New Teacher Induction Program, currently consisting of four days of orientation and ongoing training workshops throughout the school year, is provided for all teachers new to the district. There is a Mentor Program for both new and experienced administrators and teachers, training for support staff, and technology training for all employees.

Teacher Mentor Program

Tuition Reimbursement: Administrator Doctoral Program

A maximum of $15,000 can be approved toward tuition reimbursement for Principals as well as District Level Administrators at the Director Level or above. The reimbursement agreement is for administrators enrolled in a doctoral program.

Cabinet-level administrators who have previously completed a doctoral program, prior to employment in D15, may also apply for tuition reimbursement of $15,000 for additional endorsements with the approval of the superintendent.

Tuition Reimbursement: Certified Staff

Other D15 administrators (administrator is defined under Board Policy as a certified employee filling a position which requires an administrative license) who do not qualify for the Administrator Tuition Doctoral Reimbursement, can be reimbursed for tuition as described in the CTC 2016-2026 Negotiated Agreement (outlined on pages 45, 82, and 85).

Procedures (including timelines and forms) outlined in the CTC Negotiated Agreement will be applicable.

National Board Certification Program

Are you looking for a new opportunity to hone your teaching practices and gain better insight into your effectiveness as a teacher? The National Board certification program was designed to “develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide” and is the most respected professional certification program for K-12 educators in the US. CCSD15 values the impact National Board Certification has on student growth and achievement and provides a $2,500 yearly stipend to support teachers seeking to improve their craft. If you are interested in pursuing this more, please review the opportunities below and talk with your building administration as they will be able to put you in touch with a number of teachers who have been through the program and would love to share their experience with you.

The National Board Resource Center (NBRC) at Illinois State University is inviting eligible Illinois National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) from hard-to-staff schools (no less than 30% of student enrollment is considered low-income as reported on the Report Card) to apply for a $4,000 per year rentention incentive, which may be received for two consecutive years.

Education Support Professionals Scholarship Program

WGU is offering the new Education Support Professionals Scholarship program worth up to $5,000 for Paraprofessionals who are currently working in our schools and are dedicated to becoming a teacher and making a positive impact in students’ lives.

This scholarship is needs-based and is not restricted to academic achievement, making it a valuable opportunity for Paraprofessionals to pursue their teaching degrees and become licensed teachers in any of the 50 states (a feature unique to only WGU). The Education Support Professional Scholarship is available for a limited time only, so now is the perfect time for Paraprofessionals to take advantage of this opportunity.

As the largest teacher education institution in the nation, WGU is committed to supporting the education and professional development of Paraprofessionals. Please don't hesitate to reach out to them if you have any questions or if you need any additional information. Visit their website for additional information: www.wgu.edu/parascholarship.

College of DuPage GenCyber Teacher Program

Each summer, the College of DuPage hosts a GenCyber Teacher program which is grant funded and provides a stipend, transportation, lunch daily, and a Chromebook. The GenCyber Teacher program is designed for teachers who are passionate about promoting cybersecurity and online safety. The program is taught by faculty from the Computer and Information Technology (CIT) Department and the Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI).

Explore GenCyber Cybersecurity Concepts and concepts of digital citizenship through hands-on activities and discussions. Through the program, develop curriculum modules covering safe online behavior and cybersecurity concepts to share in your classroom.

CPDU Opportunities

TeachersFirst has partnered with the Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEAIL) to provide high quality, free professional learning aligned with the ISTE standards to teachers in the state of Illinois. These spring workshops are free to participants and cover a variety of topics with technology integration built in.
Professional Development opportunities on early release Fridays
Summary Voluntary PD opportunities for certified staff.

Licensure Programs

Other Training Opportunities for Staff

Certified Staff

Staff Institute Days (Sept & May)
Friday early release time
New Teacher Induction Program--currently consisting of four days of orientation and ongoing training workshops throughout the school year, is provided for all teachers new to the district

Transportation Staff

Paid Driver Training
New Aide Training
Annual Safety Refresher Course
Professional Development
Mentoring Program
Physicals

SEIU

Uniforms
Stipends
Training Courses and Career Development
Mechanics Tools

ESPA

Professional Development
Stipends

Other Employee Benefits

BenefitHub

We are so excited to launch BenefitHub for our staff! You’ll get great, new savings on all the things you love. So now you’ll be able to…

Save up to 60% on holiday getaways
Shop around for some cool, new tech
Be healthier and maybe even a little wealthier
+ even save an average of $1,000+ on home and auto insurance

So check ‘em out...plus so much more!

CTA/Ventra Transit Benefit Program

Effective January 1, 2024, CCSD15 staff members have the option to contribute up to $255 of pre-tax income per month to a Commuter FSA account.

Commuter FSA deductions will come out of your paycheck pre-tax, and those amounts are then loaded on to your Ventra card.

You can use your commuter benefits for Pace, CTA, and Metra.

Visit the Transit Benefits website for more information. Click here for the Transit Benefit Program FAQs.

D15 Spirit Wear

Employee Assistance Program - AllONE Health

The Employee Assistance Program (through AllOne Health) helps staff manage the stresses of everyday life or even work-related concerns. The EAP provides a range of free services including legal consultation, child care and elder care referrals, financial consultation, pet care consultation ... just to name a few. This confidential service is designed to help staff with any issue affecting overall health, well-being, and life management.

Free Flu Shots

Identity Theft Protection

Identity Theft Protection through InfoArmor Identity Protection is a FREE benefit for staff members:

Full-service identity theft remediation
Free dark-web monitoring
Lost wallet protection - real-time card monitoring through WalletArmor, an interactive, easy-to-use vault for protecting your wallet's contents, passwords, and important personal documents
$25K fraud-related loss reimbursement
Solicitation reduction, opt out of receiving commercial emails and mailers
Privacy advocates - a dedicated team of professionals that provide world-class service and expertise in identity theft restoration
Sign up at any time through Reliance Standard

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Travel Assistance

Through group coverage with Reliance Standard, you automatically receive travel assistance services administered by On Call International (On Call). On Call is a 24-hour, toll-free service that provides a comprehensive range of information, referral, coordination and arrangement services designed to respond to most medical care situations and many other emergencies you may encounter when you travel. Pre-trip assistance, emergency medical transportation, emergency personal services, medical referrals for local physicians/dentists, medical case monitoring, prescription assistance and eyeglass replacement, among many more!

Wellness & Fitness Programs

Well on Target® Fitness Program

Join the Fitness Program—Enrollment Fee Waived in March!

Looking to kickstart your fitness journey? Now’s the perfect time! From March 1–31, 2025, new eligible members can join the Well onTarget® Fitness Program and have the enrollment fee waived when they use code MARCHSAVE25 at checkout.

This program offers:

Flexible gym options nationwide
Access to thousands of digital fitness videos & live classes
A user-friendly mobile app for check-ins and tracking

Take advantage of this special offer and invest in your health! To enroll, log in to Blue Access for Members at bcbsil.com and search for the Fitness Program: Blue Access for Members (BAM) under “MyHealth” → “Wellness” → “Fitness Program”, or call 888-762-BLUE (2583).

The Fitness Program offers flexible options to get in shape and stay active. Choose from a network of gyms offering tiered pricing that fits your budget and lifestyle. This program also includes pay-as-you-go classes. You can use the mobile app to find high intensity or yoga workouts.  Save even more by bundling family members under one account.

The Fitness Program* offers four flexible gym options from $19 to $99, convenience and access to a nationwide network of participating facilities, so members can work out whether traveling, at home or at work:

Members can select a plan option that best suits their lifestyle based on location and facility access.
Once they join, they’ll have access to all locations within the purchased plan as well as locations in any of the lower-priced plan options.
Thousands of digital fitness videos and live classes, including cardio, bootcamp, barre, yoga and more are available through an online platform. Digital access is included with Base, Core, Power and Elite memberships.

The mobile app makes it easy. Members can download the Well onTarget Fitness Program app (free of charge) from both the Apple and Android app stores and log in using their BAM credentials.

With the mobile app, members can:

Check in and report activity in real-time
Schedule and purchase studio classes
Explore nearby locations in the Fitness Program network
Track current/past studio classes
Access their membership card easily

Other program features:

Real-time data: Provided to the mobile app and Well onTarget portals
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) discounts through the Whole Health Living Choices Program. Save money through a nationwide network of 40,000 health and well-being providers such as acupuncturists, massage therapists and personal trainers. Members can register at whlchoices.com.
Blue Points: 2,500 available points for joining the Fitness Program. Members earn additional points for weekly visits. Points can be redeemed for apparel, books, electronics, health and personal care items, music and sporting goods.**
Web resources: Go online to find fitness locations and track visits.

*Individuals must be 18 years old to purchase a membership. Dependents, 16-17 years old, can join but must be accompanied to the location by a parent/guardian who is also a Fitness Program member. Check your preferred location to see their membership age policy. Underage dependents can log in and join through the primary member’s account as an “additional member.”

**Member agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, including making all disclosures and paying all taxes with respect to their receipt of any reward.

INSPYR Studios

Personal Health Manager

Recognizing that wellness takes commitment to action, District 15 has joined with BlueCross BlueShield to present a wellness program to promote good health and wellness for our employees.

Whether you are trying to improve your health or reach the next level of wellness, you will find convenient online resources and personalized telephone services through BlueCross BlueShield to help you get started and then stay motivated on your journey to wellness. Get started today by logging on to Blue Access for Members at, www.bcbsil.com, BlueCross BlueShield’s website, and click on Personal Health Manager. If you have not previously used the Blue Access system, select a user name and a password, in order to get into Blue Access for Members. (If you are unfamiliar with Blue Access and you are a “first time” user, you will discover that you can access your medical and dental claim status, verify dependent information, print temporary ID cards, access mail order prescription drug forms, obtain wellness tips, and much, much more!)

Once you sign on to Blue Access, simply click on Personal Health Manager in the middle of the page. The Personal Health Manager (PHM) helps connect you to information and online tools designed to help you maintain your health. Every time you track a fitness workout, report a meal, use any of the expert coaching features, or utilize other For Your Health features, you earn Blue Points which can be redeemed on the website for health promotion products and other merchandise.

Please take a few minutes to complete the online Health Risk Assessment. Not only will it help you identify potential health risks but it will provide valuable suggestions you can use to develop strategies for improving your life.

Take an important step in managing your health; log in to Blue Access for Members, click on Personal Health Manager, and take your Health Risk Assessment today - the support and resources you need are just a click away! Click here to begin: www.bcbsil.com.

wondr - A digital weight loss program

CCSD15 is offering access to Wondr™ — a digital weight loss program — available at no cost to you.*

Wondr goes beyond diet fads to teach you science-based skills that will help you lose weight and improve your overall health—without giving up the foods you love. Jump-start your year with Wondr.

*Employees, spouses and covered dependents age 18 and over enrolled on the BCBSIL medical plan are eligible to apply to the program.

Staff Wellness Committee

Advance Your Career!

Earn your Bilingual or ESL Teacher Endorsement

Looking to continue your professional development? Boost your potential -- and your students' -- with a bilingual or ESL endorsement from the Illinois Resource Center (IRC) and National Louis University!

The Illinois Resource Center offers a sequence of graduate courses which can be applied toward fulfillment of the Illinois requirements for the bilingual and ESL teacher endorsement. Graduate credit for course work is provided by National Louis University.

No matter your subject or grade level, all educators can benefit from learning best practices for serving linguistically and culturally diverse communities. We know language is involved in every content area, and with nearly 1 in 10 Illinois students being English learners, it is more essential than ever for teachers to expand their multilingual skill set to support their students' academic success.

Visit the Illinois Resource Center website for more information on how to earn your bilingual or ESL teacher endorsement in 6 courses.

Download the 2024-25 Course Catalog

National Board Certification

Spring 2025 NBCT Seminars

NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION - INFORMATIONAL WEBINARS

ISU is excited to announce four upcoming seminars this spring that will provide valuable insights into the NBCT journey! These sessions are designed to help potential candidates explore how National Board Certification can benefit their students, their schools, and their own professional growth. Plus, participants will learn about the wide range of support NBRC offers along the way.
Interested teachers and counselors only need to attend one of the following webinars:

February 6, 2025 @ 7pm
March 6, 2025 @ 7pm
March 25, 2025 @ 7pm
April 8, 2025 @ 7pm

We encourage you, as NBCT ambassador, to spread the word and help others learn about these fantastic opportunities, so pass along this information to other teachers! Let’s help more educators take the next step in their professional journey!

FIRST-TIME SUBSIDY - SPRING

We are excited to announce the First-Time Subsidy Fee Application will open this spring, from March 15, 2025 to April 30, 2025 (Midnight ) on the ISU website!

ISU GRADUATE PROGRAM - INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

Did you know ISU offers an avenue for completing NBC in one year – with graduate credits? Find out more about this fantastic opportunity at the upcoming informational webinar scheduled for February 27, 2025, from 5:30-6:30 pm, that will highlight:

Finish in one year!
Subsidy for the process
Subsidy process and timeline
What you can expect from the Fall (C2 and C4) and Spring Courses (C1 and C3)

Click here to sign up for more information about this exciting opportunity.

National Louis University

Northeastern Illinois University

NEIU offers a Master of Arts Degree in School Leadership with Illinois Principal Endorsement

Northeastern Illinois University is offering a Graduate program for School Leadership. Classes will begin August 25, 2025. For more information on the program, click here.

An NEIU Staff will also be hosting an information session via zoom on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 6:00 pm for the cohort they are hoping to start this fall with the North Cook ISC Schools.

Click Here to Register

Questions should be directed to:

Jennifer M. Grzelak
Coordinator of Student Services
Department of Literacy, Leadership and Development & Special Education

Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625
Email: J-Grzelak@neiu.edu
Phone: 773-442-5528

Awards and Recognition

School District 15 appreciates all employees and the work they do for children. Events are held each year to recognize those efforts to provide quality education. Administrators also work with staff members to help them gain national recognition through a variety of programs.

Staff Recognition and Award Programs
One-Five Foundation Mini Grant Program

Staff Recognition and Award Programs

School District 15 appreciates all employees and the work they do for children. Events are held each year to recognize those efforts to provide quality education. Some of these events include:

Above and Beyond Awards
Staff Spotlight
Annual retiree recognition & celebrations
American Education Week celebrations

Administrators also work with staff members and our parent organizations to help them gain national and regional recognition through a variety of programs:

One-Five Foundation Mini Grant Program

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