• In 1996 a group of School Business Officials working with Wright Risk Management decided to explore the following question: Can school district employee benefits plans be provided in a better way in terms of pricing, products, information, services and operation efficiencies through cooperation among school districts?

• In order to answer this question, the NYSED awarded a $50,000 efficiency grant on behalf of all the school districts in the Lower Hudson ASBO region.

• After much work and consideration, the school business officials confirmed that a cooperative program for employee benefits makes a great deal of sense and will provide school districts and their employees with a solid foundation in which to address the complexity of employee benefits programs, now and in the future.

• In 2002, the not-for-profit NYBEST Agency was formed to be the operational arm of NYBEST. The agency allows school districts to combine their purchasing power to get favorable rates on Employee Benefits and Student Accident Insurance from quality insurance companies and service providers.

• NYBEST and The NYBEST Agency were created by and for school districts and their employees.

• Employee benefits have become increasing complex, confusing, and costly. By unifying efforts and working through The NYBEST Agency, school districts increase their purchasing power to gain access to better rates from quality insurance carriers and service providers.

• With representatives of participating school districts serving on the NYBEST Board of Governors, NYBEST will give the educational community greater understanding and control with respect to employee benefits.

• NYBEST is a school district cooperative program for employees benefits designed to provide school districts and their employees with:

• There is no financial obligation involved in your school district joining NYBEST. By approving the NYBEST Cooperative Agreement, your school district will enjoy the ability to receive proposals from NYBEST for any and/or all plans, products, and services offered by the NYBEST Agency.

• School districts only pay for the insurance and services they purchase. There are no additional membership or annual fees.

Any school district in the State may join NYBEST by its Board of Education adopting the NYBEST Cooperation Agreement. The NYBEST Cooperation Agreement has been reviewed by a number of eminent school attorneys. It can be obtained by contacting Bill Marvin at 516.750.9367 or emailing wmarvin@wrightrisk.com.

Yes. NYBEST enables and encourages participation by school districts that give responsibility for employee benefits to union welfare funds, in addition to those school districts that retain such responsibility.

Yes. NYBEST has developed a comprehensive Section 403(b) compliance, audit and administrative service. This cost-effective and independent service will give you the peace of mind that your TSA program is being properly administered and that it is compliant with all tax, regulatory and legal requirements.