Willis ISD employees will receive a $1,000 retention payment in December after trustees approved the measure and an updated $99.8 million budget to cover the cost and additional security needs.
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All Willis ISD employees will be granted a one-time retention incentive of $1,000 following the district's Board of Trustees' approval of the measure during its meeting on November 12.
WISD Chief Financial Officer Garrett Matej stated that the bonus will be distributed on December 15 and financed through the district’s general fund, with an approximate total cost of $1.35 million. "We expect to recover the funds from the state in early spring," Matej informed the trustees.
Eligible employees comprise all staff members and school resource officers employed on or before November 1, as stated by district officials.
To accommodate retention payments and other cost escalations, trustees also approved a budget amendment increasing the 2025-26 budget from $97.18 million to $99.8 million. The amendment encompasses not only the $1.35 million allocated for incentives but also includes supplementary security expenses.
Matej observed that the increase in enrollment this autumn compelled the district to create several new positions, thereby necessitating updated budget figures. The district did not specify which positions were added, but stated that the alterations are intended to ensure staffing levels remain aligned with student enrollment growth across campuses.
The retention payment is being implemented as numerous Texas school districts continue to seek strategies to retain educators and support staff amid ongoing statewide personnel shortages. District officials stated that the one-time payment is intended to acknowledge employee contributions while supporting institutional stability.
The trustees did not discuss potential future incentives, but they emphasized the importance of staff support as the spring semester draws near. Once the funds are disbursed, the district anticipates that state reimbursement will mitigate the immediate budget impact.
The board adjourned without taking further action on compensation but stated that it will continue to evaluate enrollment trends and budget requirements as the upcoming planning cycle approaches.
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