Veteran urges Willis ISD to prioritize ADA compliance, requests audit and timeline

Jay Fondrich, a veteran who said he lost his legs while serving, urged the Willis ISD Board of Trustees on Sept. 10 to make Americans with Disabilities Act compliance a top priority and to take concrete steps to increase accessibility across district facilities.

"The Americans with Disabilities Act has been law of the land for over 30 years. It's not optional. It is a civil right," Fondrich said during the public comment portion of the board meeting, adding that inaccessible classrooms, restrooms and entrances "send a message that you don't fully belong here."

Fondrich urged three specific actions: conduct a full ADA compliance audit, develop a timeline for improvements and include people with disabilities in planning and implementation. "This isn't just about avoiding lawsuits. It's about whether Willis ISD will be a district that truly includes every child and every family," he said.

The board's public-comment rules note that the board does not respond during public comments. No board action on the ADA issues was recorded during the meeting. The public comment period itself was limited to 30 minutes, with a maximum of three minutes per speaker, according to the board's published rules read at the meeting.

Fondrich framed his appeal both as a legal obligation and a dignity issue, describing how inaccessible facilities affect participation and inclusion. He asked the district to include disabled voices in any compliance process so those with lived experience help guide improvements.