[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6595077,"mediaKeyId","3043193-a917c227a582b18aa057c430fd866550","parentId",3043193,"title","Willis ISD reports growth in bilingual and ESL enrollment; district seeks bilingual teacher recruits","audioSeconds",758,"startMs",6935000,"endMs",7693000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3043193-a917c227a582b18aa057c430fd866550&start=6935&end=7693","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3043193-a917c227a582b18aa057c430fd866550/thumbnail_6935000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6595077/Texas/Willis-ISD-reports-growth-in-bilingual-and-ESL-enrollment-district-seeks-bilingual-teacher-recruits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595077-8afcac7bfdf6dce27c7816b9dbc7fe10/orig.mp4?Expires=1773577863&Signature=CzoDJX7NB8UzCfMB9wpuhmw2IOpYaf1XoROhuoGuBef-ICrguYJbsWivDdC8QwZ96ODPCVwN~z62lhelmOYJPbL2I~rsk2brpFIgxWd~X0pafLskh2FF9AIdtBoxFIv18hF1tfqTvyAKt~YQ7OjLtRqVhhiWQEXo7bzIOPADVQHbSAxoRGZkB2IQSxooFC8mORyZy~amRHDAthOdhTEczKIXCvEZbrpxdYQastOCMyoB3lmS443rZVQzuFOY6Hn7KTsCG4L0OW2mJAzGr3UZNtldKE33T07saADZD7v0tO0IWdTZUw0LLi8frFbHqLs~i4xFh-StXy7SmnBYwyq7~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Willis ISD","date","2025-04-17T20:19:26.627Z","article","Erica Del Rio, coordinator of Willis ISD’s bilingual and English‑learner programs, briefed the board on April 6 about a multi‑year rise in emergent bilingual enrollment and the district’s program structure, professional‑development plans and recruitment efforts.

The lede: Since 2022–23, Willis ISD’s enrollment in bilingual and ESL programs has increased by 129 students. The district now operates dual‑language (Spanish/English) programming at Cannon Elementary, Hardy Elementary and Roark Early Education Center, and uses an ESL pull‑out model for students districtwide.

Nut graf: Del Rio said the district’s bilingual program follows a one‑way dual‑language model intended to produce bilingualism and biliteracy. She described program language allocations by grade level, staffing levels, training steps and recruitment activities intended to address a statewide shortage of bilingual‑certified teachers.

What the presentation covered

- Program model and numbers: Del Rio said Willis ISD’s one‑way dual‑language immersion (Spanish/English) runs pre‑K through grade 5 at three campuses. Typical language allocation transitions from roughly 80% partner language (Spanish) in pre‑K/kindergarten toward a 50/50 balance by grades 3–5. She reported 33 bilingual teachers employed across the three campuses; 14 were fully certified in bilingual instruction and the remaining 19 were receiving district support to obtain certification.

- ESL model: The district operates an ESL pull‑out model (pre‑K–12) where certified ESL teachers provide targeted English language‑acquisition instruction while students remain in mainstream classes for content areas. Del Rio said the ESL instruction follows state‑required English‑learner curriculum (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for ESL) and Chapter 89 rules.

- Professional development and curriculum: Del Rio described PD activities, including district trainings, attendance at the Texas TESOL regional conference, adoption of Spanish phonics and benchmark reading materials, and planned Title III symposium participation. She said teacher feedback on training had been positive and that the district will continue targeted PD in summer sessions.

- Family engagement and recruitment: The coordinator described family‑engagement events using simple home strategies and the district’s outreach to recruit bilingual staff; Del Rio reported district participation in regional job fairs (including Texas A&M–Kingsville) and other recruitment venues. She said family ties and relocation reluctance limit some candidates’ willingness to move but that Willis ISD emphasizes local proximity to Houston as a recruiting advantage.

Questions from trustees and responses

Trustees asked whether the district uses a late‑exit or early‑exit bilingual model. Del Rio said the district’s bilingual program currently functions as a late‑exit model with formal exit around fifth grade; she acknowledged earlier exit as a topic for further discussion because middle‑school data sometimes shows gains after immersion in English instruction.

Del Rio also discussed certification shortages: 14 of 33 bilingual teachers were fully certified; the district supports others through training and follow‑up to pass state exams.

Speakers

- Erica Del Rio — bilingual/ESL coordinator, Willis ISD (presenter)
- Trustee (unnamed in transcript) — asked about exit timing and pull‑out instruction

Authorities

- statute: \"Texas Education Code, Chapter 29 (bilingual education and special language programs)\" — referenced_by: [\"Erica Del Rio\"]
- statute: \"Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 89 (procedures for serving English learners)\" — referenced_by: [\"Erica Del Rio\"]

Clarifying details

- \"enrollment_increase\": 129 additional bilingual/ESL students since 2022–23 (source: Del Rio presentation)
- \"bilingual_teachers\": 33 bilingual teachers districtwide; 14 fully certified, 19 in training toward certification
- \"language_allocation\": pre‑K/kinder approx. 80% Spanish/20% English; grade 1 ~70/30; grade 2 ~60/40; grades 3–5 ~50/50 (as described by presenter)

Proper_names

- {\"name\":\"Willis ISD\",\"type\":\"agency\"}
- {\"name\":\"Texas Education Code Chapter 29\",\"type\":\"statute\"}
- {\"name\":\"Texas Administrative Code Chapter 89\",\"type\":\"statute\"}
- {\"name\":\"Texas A and M University–Kingsville\",\"type\":\"organization\"}

Community relevance

- geographies: [\"Willis ISD campuses; Cannon Elementary; Hardy Elementary; Roark Early Education Center\"]
- funding_sources: [\"Title I/II/III/IV (ESSA) grants referenced elsewhere in meeting\"]
- impact_groups: [\"emergent bilingual students\",\"bilingual teachers\",\"families\"]

Meeting context

- engagement_level: {\"speakers_count\":2,\"duration_minutes\":80,\"items_count\":1}
- implementation_risk\":\"low\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2025-04-06\",\"note\":\"Program update and recruitment update presented to the board\"}]}

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Willis ISD Board Meeting - April 16, 2024","oneSentenceSummary","Erica Del Rio, coordinator of Willis ISD’s bilingual and English‑learner programs, briefed the board on April 6 about a multi‑year rise in emergent bilingual enrollment and the district’s program structure, professional‑development plans and recruitment efforts.","taxTitle","WILLIS ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",38756,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6595071,"Willis ISD board approves grants, staffing, debt actions and construction contracts in April 6 meeting",1753,7713000,9466000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3043193-a917c227a582b18aa057c430fd866550&start=7713&end=9466","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3043193-a917c227a582b18aa057c430fd866550/thumbnail_7713000.jpg","/articles/6595071/Texas/Willis-ISD-board-approves-grants-staffing-debt-actions-and-construction-contracts-in-April-6-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595071-8de787fd65c33a156503b23cb3d567ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1773577863&Signature=S4ziLQFyqqYFGZ2KC1-AsUb5L2GgcZ7vJmptsblJ5vhMyPj-sYSVIjTjo~6HATd~CUhpMI3LVSWIKOu7jbcufU23I7rSm6XtYJqX8iJSk-9-IAJCU21Lz~dhliXko1mOAs4IlJVP-M6rFnh9R64eo1p7r3iRP3-n7gf1Wn3iWdOsgeL-SykV0C2nBPyvOXkP5cRfRf52rcchNymBhTAzSdp7K5ATeozQjE5cM5TRU915LCnIe7qEc5UTulSgjnebCDHWrgdwMZWOmuNFWZwPpMDTjB-wIzbBO5GngM56NDSeL6Q8Wf1yHKD72c12smvtgnOsqGej6UEOLni6x0Wgjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Willis Independent School District Board of Trustees on April 6 approved a slate of financial and contracting actions affecting grants, public safety staffing, debt structure and construction work. Most motions carried unanimously.

Why this matters: The actions change near‑term staffing and funding, alter the district’s debt schedule and free cash flow, and authorize construction contracts and change orders that will affect project timelines and local contractors.

Votes at a glance (select items)

1) Consent agenda and personnel approvals
- Action: Approval of the consent agenda as presented (includes routine items) — Motion by \"Mister Williams,\" second by \"Miss Traylor.\" Outcome: motion carried; recorded as \"Motion carries 6 0.\" (transcript)
- Action: Acceptance of superintendent’s recommended professional personnel appointments and contracts (multiple motions in open/closed session). Outcome: motions carried 6‑0 as recorded.

2) Acceptance of 2025–27 interactive online learning grant (Newsela)
- Action: Accept superintendent recommendation to approve acceptance of the 2025–27 interactive online learning grant for $299,926.20 to provide Newsela to grades 6–12 and accompanying professional development and substitute coverage.
- Mover/Second: Motion by \"Miss Trailer\" (presented in transcript as the mover), second by \"Mister Williams.\" Outcome: motion carries 6‑0.
- Notes: District intends to use the product in social studies across secondary campuses; funds include PD and substitute money.

3) Addition of a school resource sergeant
- Action: Approve adding one school resource sergeant to strengthen supervision of deputies and improve span of control in the SRO division.
- Mover/Second: Motion by \"Mister Jones,\" second by \"Mister Carson.\" Outcome: motion carries 6‑0.
- Notes: The presentation cited span‑of‑control norms (3–8 deputies per supervisor) and proposed north/south zone supervision.

4) Bond defeasance (early payoff) and debt‑service budget amendment
- Action: Adopt an order authorizing defeasance/redemption of certain outstanding obligations (targeting just over $4,075,000 of payoff to remove roughly $7.2 million of scheduled debt service), with a projected net interest savings of about $3.1 million. Mover: \"Mister Carson;\" second: \"Miss Traylor.\" Outcome: motion carries 6‑0.
- Related action: Amend the 2024–25 debt service fund budget upward by approximately $1,020,000 to allow for the defeasance payment. Motion by \"Miss Traylor;\" second by \"Mister Jones.\" Outcome: motion carries 6‑0.
- Notes: The district identified targeted maturities from a prior (2016 issuance tied to the 2015 election) schedule and set a tentative defeasance date in late May.

5) Authorization to issue bonds from May 2024 election balance
- Action: Adopted an order authorizing issuance, sale and delivery of Willis ISD unlimited‑tax school building bonds — parameters set to issue up to $45,000,000 of remaining authorization from the May 2024 Proposition A (the district previously issued $15,000,000 of a $102.7M authorization and proposed a $45M tranche now and the remainder in 2026).
- Mover/Second: Motion by \"Mister Carson,\" second by \"Miss Traylor.\" Outcome: motion carries 6‑0.
- Notes: The board set price and term parameters (true interest cost not to exceed 5.5%, max term 30 years) and explained a staged issuance approach to manage interest costs and arbitrage considerations.

6) District‑wide rekey / key standardization contract (Millennium Project Solutions)
- Action: Approve a district‑wide keying contract with Millennium Project Solutions for hardware and installation (district‑wide key standardization/attic stock) — contract award amount in transcript $1,171,570.68.
- Mover/Second: Motion by \"Mister Jones,\" second by \"Mister Carson.\" Outcome: motion carries (recorded in transcript as \"Motion carries 2 0\" in one line but the chair called the motion carried; subsequent discussion indicated unanimous approval and funding split between general fund and a state cycle grant covering a portion of exterior door costs).
- Notes: Funding will combine general funds and grant proceeds for eligible exterior door rekeying.

7) Ninth‑grade center general‑contractor selection (Gamma Construction)
- Action: Approve selection and award of the ninth‑grade center general‑contractor contract to Gamma Construction following CMAR/CSP evaluation; presentation cited fees and preconstruction cost. Mover: \"Mister Jones,\" second: \"Mister Carson.\" Outcome: motion carries 6‑0.

8) Campus life‑safety systems and facility contracts
- Voice evacuation systems: Approve PyroTech (PyroTex) contract to install voice evacuation systems at multiple campuses (Cannon, Turner and Gram Middle Schools) for approximately $349,817. Motion by \"Mister Jones;\" second by \"Mister Carson.\" Outcome: motion carries 6‑0.
- Facility assessment: Approve a district‑wide educational facility assessment contract with Huckabee for $49,500. Motion by \"Mister Carson;\" second by \"Mister Jones.\" Outcome: motion carries 6‑0.

9) Change orders for Hellas (athletic fields)
- Yates Stadium additional turf scope: Approve change order to Hellas in the amount of $39,200 for added turf work (requested after the district determined the change exceeded procurement delegation thresholds). Motion by \"Mister Jones;\" second by \"Mister Carson.\" Outcome: motion carries 6‑0.
- WHS track extension: Approve change order to relocate an electrical junction box and related work for $6,815; funding from 2015 bond funds. Motion by \"Mister Carson;\" second by \"Mister Jones.\" Outcome: motion carries 6‑0.

Other votes and personnel actions
- The board approved a range of personnel items and contracts in closed session, including professional personnel recommendations and list‑level contract approvals; all motions reported in open session were recorded as carried by the chair.

Speakers and presenters (as identified in the transcript)
- Dr. James — superintendent, Willis ISD (presenter/administration)
- \"Mister Williams\" — trustee/mover on consent items
- \"Miss Traylor\" (Traylor/Trailer in transcript) — trustee (moved/seconded on multiple items)
- \"Mister Carson\" — trustee (moved/seconded)
- \"Mister Jones\" — trustee (moved/seconded and asked questions about procurement)
- Presenters: finance and bond staff, district legal counsel and department directors who presented items (names appear in transcript for presenters and consultants; see individual agenda items for presenters’ names)

Authorities and references cited during related presentations
- May 2024 bond election, Proposition A (voter authorization of up to $102,700,000 in bonds) — referenced by district staff in bond issuance discussion
- References to bond counsel and financial‑advisor analyses used in the defeasance recommendation

Provenance
- Topic introduced in transcript during the consent motion at approximately 77:13 into the log and continued through multiple agenda items and subsequent motions through the meeting adjournment (final recorded motion outcomes near 94:59 in the transcript).","The Willis Independent School District Board of Trustees on April 6 approved a slate of financial and contracting actions including a federal grant, an added school resource sergeant, a targeted debt defeasance and amendments to the debt budget, and multiple construction contracts and change orders.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6595080,"Willis ISD holds construction procurement workshop outlining hiring rules, wage requirements and delivery methods",2852,2685000,5537000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3043193-a917c227a582b18aa057c430fd866550&start=2685&end=5537","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3043193-a917c227a582b18aa057c430fd866550/thumbnail_2685000.jpg","/articles/6595080/Texas/Willis-ISD-holds-construction-procurement-workshop-outlining-hiring-rules-wage-requirements-and-delivery-methods","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595080-389a767768894e86fcd6d2b421893187/orig.mp4?Expires=1773577863&Signature=jpLSiDfmCYwwnXuf5vqi1GQJr0EGpCTF4KxeWbAGq7-qykQkwallz42eBH6EkjdozslMfN~NIlS77UMwR17Woyb9BuYTqXwI95azHJJqWyaWFHy56lxnr~r6OKHKhbu4BngBZd1gKc-Nan3Wdphs5RDFGcJq3QmPLdqwUfqeunzJFcywE2wXjOy0~DEIn7FSJdKCUAs2Q225coVsQs4UyoASPUtmfO0442ZaG25LUUAyEOmDj6t98zELoKFleyFZjg-sQg-pT1NrQfirMFCgYK9YevtXJDAX~RFMaG5SRfwfrd8pLLQt4U9beEpX1WJwVua~8vCRhnmUJkdm6ndT4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Blake Henshaw, a construction law practitioner working with Willis ISD, reviewed procurement and contracting practices for the district’s ongoing building program during an April 6 workshop, outlining when design professionals are mandatory, how delivery methods differ, and recurring legal and cost traps to avoid.

Henshaw said the district must hire an architect or engineer for most new school buildings and for alterations that meet statutory thresholds, and described how design professionals function as the district’s on-site decisionmakers and pay certifiers throughout a project. “They’re the ones that go and make sure…they will certify the owner to you. Okay. We can pay that,” Henshaw said, summarizing the design professional’s role in certifying completed work before payments are released.

Why this matters: Willis ISD is managing multiple concurrent projects — renovations, a new ninth-grade campus, and transportation facilities — so procurement choices affect schedule, cost, oversight and potential legal exposure.

Most important takeaways

- When design professionals are required: Henshaw advised that school districts must engage an architect for a new educational building when construction exceeds $100,000, or when an alteration exceeds $50,000 and involves relocation or removal of walls, partitions or exits. He said an engineer is required when electrical or mechanical work is involved and the job cost exceeds $8,000, or when student safety concerns make professional oversight required. Henshaw recommended taking a conservative view on “student safety” triggers and hiring professionals where there is doubt.

- Prevailing wage and wage surveys: Henshaw warned trustees that Texas prevailing-wage rules must be adopted annually and can substantially increase project costs. He said wage surveys must be conducted within the district’s boundaries if used instead of Davis‑Bacon rates, and that courts have rejected outsourcing that obligation (he cited a recent case in which a third‑party survey was held insufficient and the court directed the use of Davis‑Bacon wages).

- Delivery methods compared: Henshaw reviewed standard delivery choices: traditional design‑bid‑build (competitive sealed proposals), construction manager at risk (CMAR), construction-manager-as-agent, design‑build and job‑order contracting. He described CMAR as a common choice for larger school projects because the construction manager participates early and provides a guaranteed maximum price; he said the CMAR fee/markup typically falls in a range but that statute requires pricing to carry at least a minimum weighting in procurement rubrics (Henshaw cited a pricing floor of roughly 39 percent in state guidance). He cautioned that two‑step procurement for CMARs takes longer and is uncommon in practice.

- Job order contracts and RSMeans: Henshaw said job‑order contracts are appropriate for recurring, minor repair and maintenance work that can be priced from RSMeans tables or coop pricing but must not be stretched to major new construction. He called rekeying and routine repairs classic uses for job‑order contracts.

- Procurement of professional services: Henshaw reminded the board that selection of architects and engineers is governed by the state professional‑services rules: firms must be ranked on qualifications before fees are discussed, and administrations must avoid asking price questions during selection.

- Change orders, bonds and dispute resolution: Henshaw advised getting change orders in writing, requiring payment and performance bonds on larger contracts (payment bond typically required over $25,000; performance bond over $100,000 in his model language), and keeping mediation rather than arbitration as the primary dispute step. “We never go to arbitration. It’s terrible,” he said, explaining a preference for local court remedies in the district’s view.

- Contracts and templates: Henshaw encouraged the district to use vetted templates for routine procurements but noted that larger or unusual construction contracts merit attorney review. He described the district’s retainer arrangement as providing regular, low‑cost access to legal advice during procurement and contracting.

Additional context and details

Henshaw discussed common misconceptions — for example, that a design‑build vendor’s in‑house engineer eliminates the district’s obligation to retain a reviewing engineer. He noted state law requires a district‑retained engineer or architect to review and manage design documents even when a design‑builder provides its own engineering.

Henshaw also explained auditing requirements for CMAR contracts during closeout and described the 10‑year statute of repose for pursuing construction defect claims. He recommended that the board and administration work together on procurement rubrics and that the board reserve the right to adjust weighting or to pull an RFP from consent for discussion.

Speakers

- Blake Henshaw — construction attorney/consultant (presenter)
- Chad Jones — board member (asked procedural questions during the session)
- Dr. James — superintendent (participated in the meeting later; referenced in Q&A)
- Kelly — district procurement/administration staff (repeatedly referenced by Henshaw; participated in procurement discussion)

Authorities

- statute: \"22.58.022 (prevailing‑wage requirement as referenced)\" — referenced_by: [\"Blake Henshaw\"]
- statute: \"Davis‑Bacon Act (federal prevailing‑wage rates)\" — referenced_by: [\"Blake Henshaw\"]
- policy: \"Professional Services Procurement Act (state rules governing architect/engineer selection)\" — referenced_by: [\"Blake Henshaw\"]

Clarifying details

- \"architect requirement\": new educational building costs > $100,000; alteration costs > $50,000 involving walls/partitions/exits (source: Henshaw presentation)
- \"engineer threshold\": electrical/mechanical work costing > $8,000 typically requires an engineer (Henshaw)
- \"prevailing wage adoption\": board must adopt rates annually; if district cannot produce a lawful in‑district wage survey the statute directs use of Davis‑Bacon rates (Henshaw)
- \"procurement pricing floor\": presentation cited a statutory or customary minimum pricing weight of ~39% when weighting proposals (Henshaw)
- \"performance/payment bonds\": performance bond generally required for projects > $100,000; payment bond for projects > $25,000 (Henshaw)

Proper_names

- {\"name\":\"Willis ISD\",\"type\":\"agency\"}
- {\"name\":\"RSMeans\",\"type\":\"other\"}
- {\"name\":\"Davis‑Bacon\",\"type\":\"statute\"}
- {\"name\":\"Texas A&M\",\"type\":\"organization\"}
- {\"name\":\"Harbor Freight\",\"type\":\"business\"}

community_relevance\":{\"geographies\":[\"Willis ISD\"],\"funding_sources\":[],\"impact_groups\":[\"students\",\"taxpayers\",\"construction contractors\"]},

meeting_context\":{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":6,\"duration_minutes\":120,\"items_count\":1},\"implementation_risk\":\"medium\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2025-04-06\",\"note\":\"Workshop presentation to board and staff on procurement best practices\"}]}

","Construction counsel Blake Henshaw led a workshop for the Willis ISD board and staff covering procurement methods (CMAR, design-bid, design-build), mandatory use of architects/engineers in many projects, prevailing wage rules and common contract pitfalls including bonds and change orders.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Willis ISD reports growth in bilingual and ESL enrollment; district seeks bilingual teacher recruits

Willis ISD board approves grants, staffing, debt actions and construction contracts in April 6 meeting

Willis ISD holds construction procurement workshop outlining hiring rules, wage requirements and delivery methods