2026 is officially here! With costs projected to rise, new technologies emerging, and employee expectations heightening, now is the time to take a closer look at your benefits strategy to ensure it can keep up with the evolving workplace. Here…
Despite their significant tax-saving advantages, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), by many accounts, are one of the most underutilized, misunderstood, and often overlooked employee benefits available to public sector employees. Employees across the country forfeit millions of dollars annually, emphasizing the…
Every third quarter, every Arizona school district must begin the daunting, high-stakes process of benefits renewal. This is a crucial annual window of opportunity for districts’ leadership to review, optimize, and enhance their employee benefits program to meet budgetary constraints…
PCP Awareness Week, held from October 6th to 10th, aims to highlight the vital role that primary care physicians (PCPs) play in promoting health and well-being. Maintaining a good relationship with your primary care physician can significantly impact your overall…
Dental and vision benefits have evolved from optional “extra” components to essential components of employee benefit packages as they have been shown to play vital roles in ensuring overall employee health, financial well-being, and workplace satisfaction. For public sector organizations,…
At VSMG, we understand the unique challenges faced by Arizona school district employers and employees. For school district employees, the start of a new school year brings excitement, fresh goals, and opportunities to make an impact, while also ushering in…
This year, the Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) proudly awarded the Bill Lovett Memorial Award to Jill Barragan of the Paradise Valley Unified School District. Recognizing exceptional leadership and dedication in school business administration, this honor reflects Jill’s outstanding contributions to her district…
We’re honored to share that Valley Schools Management Group (VSMG) has been awarded the 2025 Vendor of the Year by the Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO)! Established in 2013, this award recognizes AASBO Business Associate members who go above and beyond in…
Summer brings a change of pace for many employees, especially those working for Arizona school districts. While the school year ends and routines shift, benefits communication has a chance to shine. Summer tends to be slower. Fewer or no in-person…
Open Enrollment comes once a year, and for many HR teams and employees alike, it’s a whirlwind of deadlines, decisions, and paperwork. The process can quickly become chaotic between deciding on and communicating plan changes, answering complex questions, and ensuring…