What is the WTF?
The Welfare Trust Fund was established to provide a variety of benefits for eligible bargaining unit members and their dependents. It was created as a result of Collective Bargaining between the Wappingers Congress of Teachers and the Wappingers central School District. Employer contributions are based on the amount stipulated in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement and are provided at annual rates. Members, other than those on COBRA continuation coverage, part-time employees (more than .5), and retirees, do not make contributions to the WTF. The benefits presently offered by the Fund are as follows:
- Dental
- Optical
- Financial Planning
- Legal Services
- Life Insurance
- Health Advocate
- Prescription Co-Payment Reimbursement
- Hearing Aid
Who Administers the Trust?
The Board of Trustees administers the WTF. It is made up of five persons, one of whom is the President of the WCT by virtue of holding that office, and the other four of whom are designated by the Executive Board of the WCT. The current Trustees are:
- Christine Romano, Chairperson
- Kim Mahusky, Treasurer
- Erin Mulligan, Secretary
- Philip “Flip” Gertler, Trustee
- Pasquale Delli Carpini, Trustee
The Board of Trustees employs a Fund Administrator who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the WTF. The WTF also employs consultants who assist the Trustees and the Fund Administrator.
- Fund Administrator – Ronnie Dwyer
- Third Party Administrator – Daniel H. Cook Associates
- Financial Advisor – Stacey Braun Associates, Inc.
- Fund Accountant – Gould, Kobrick & Schlapp
- Fund Legal Counsel – Mirkin & Gordon
The WTF Board of Trustees meets on a regular basis to discuss benefit improvements, concerns from members, legal issues, financial reports, third party administrator reports, and also addresses any other business/concerns that may arise.
How does it work?
The Wappingers Central School District (WCSD) makes a yearly payment for each full time bargaining unit member as per the negotiated contract. Based on the yearly increased contribution by the District, the Trustees, with the expert counsel of our advisors, recommend benefit improvements.
The Fund Administrator keeps and updates records for all members on file. It is very important that each member notifies the Fund Administrator of any change in their personal status (marriage, divorce, adding/removing dependents, change in address, etc). Ms. Dwyer is the liaison between members and Daniel H. Cook, Davis Vision, Legal and Financial Services and is the person to contact in the event of any problems or concerns. She does the bookkeeping, manages accounts receivable/payable for the Fund, and takes minutes at all Fund meetings.
Please consult your benefit booklet (3 ring binder) to review your benefits. There is an explanation of each benefit and the procedure to follow. Any and all updates should be kept in this binder for future reference. You may also reference our WCT website (wcteachers.org) for information.
What to do if you have a claim problem?
The most effective way to deal with any problems or questions about a claim is to call, write, or email Ronnie Dwyer, WTF Administrator, at the WCT office:
Telephone number: 227-5065
E-mail: wct@frontiernet.net
Address: 2537 Route 52, Suite 15
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
(or interschool mail for employees)
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