Several current and departing Employee Services staff urged the Judson ISD board to reinstate a wellness and leave specialist role the board approved to be downgraded as part of budget reductions.

Lisa Roberts, the district’s director of employee services who is retiring, told the board the wellness and leave specialist “walks employees through some of the most vulnerable, stressful moments of their lives” and handles complex legal tasks such as Family and Medical Leave Act and temporary disability administration. Roberts said losing the position removes an experienced advocate who helps staff comply with federal timelines and manages detailed, time‑consuming paperwork.

Janie Stewart, identified in the meeting as the wellness and leave specialist who will leave her post Monday, told trustees the role was already approved to be lowered in grade and then eliminated. Stewart said the workload — processing intermittent and full‑time leave, reviewing medical certifications, tracking extensions and advising on work restrictions — is a full‑time job that cannot be absorbed by existing staff.

Lori Diamond, the employee services benefit specialist, added that her small department supports the district’s workforce on benefits, workers’ compensation and leave requests; she said requests and filings have increased and the workload is substantial.

Board members did not take an immediate action to undo the reclassification during the meeting; public comments were followed by recognition and thanks to the departing staff. Speakers asked trustees to reconsider the decision in light of legal complexity and employee support needs.