About Us

The Welfare Trust was established in 1983, an offshoot from a failed attempt in negotiations to have a district-provided dental plan. While the District was sympathetic with our concern for dental coverage, they were not willing to accept financial responsibility to provide one. Through negotiations, we were able to provide a small sum of money for member-only dental coverage. In order for the union to accomplish this, it was necessary to set up a Welfare Trust Fund to process premiums and expenses. With the help of NYSUT and NYSUT Member Benefits, the Kenmore Teachers Association Welfare Trust Fund was established in 1983. Don Cruickshank was Chairman of the committee to research and set up a Welfare Trust and was the first Administrator, along with the trustees, Ron Bongi, Don Benker, and John Roach. The Welfare Trust is comprised of four trustees appointed to three-year terms (on a rotating basis) by the Executive Board of the Kenmore Teachers Association. The Trust then appoints or selects an Administrator and Treasurer to handle the responsibilities of those positions. Through continued negotiations and smart management, the Trust was able to add dependent coverage for the dental plan.

With the help of Bill Brothers (CEO of Premier Consulting Assoc. LLC) and NOVA Healthcare, the Trust moved to a self-funded dental program (Delta Dental is current network), eventually providing an Orthodontia rider for all covered dependents. The Welfare Trust then provided a self-funded Optical Program for members and dependents. Over the years, the Trust has added the following benefits, which were of prime concern to our members – Vision Insurance (currently through Davis Vision), a NYSUT Group Legal Plan, the NYSUT Group Catastrophe Major Medical Plan (CMM) for members and spouses/partners, a member–only Life Insurance Plan, and a Financial Counseling Program, which provides our members with sound financial insight.

The trustees meet a minimum of four times per year to discuss and evaluate all components of our benefits. Members are encouraged to provide input to the Trust.

Trust Board History

Administrator
Don Cruickshank: 1983 – 1988
Ron Bongi: 1988 – 2013
Keith Augustine: 2013 – present

Treasurer
John Roach: 1983 – 2004
Andy Leuth: 2004
Keith Augustine: 2004 – 2013
Jeff Orlowski: 2013 – 2024

Daniel Litz:  2024 – present

Trustee
Don Benker: 1983 – 2012
Ron Bongi: 1983 – 1988
Arlane Frederick: 1988 – 2004
Melissa Moore: 2004 – present
Peter Stuhlmiller: 2012 – 2024

Jeff Orlowski:  2024 – present

Consultant
John Roach: 2004
Ron Bongi: 2013 – 2014