Willis ISD approves multiple construction and vendor contracts, moves ahead on ninth grade center and Elementary No. 7

The Willis ISD Board of Trustees on March 19 approved a package of capital-project and vendor actions that will affect multiple 2020- and 2024-bond projects, a new ninth grade center, and the district’s upcoming elementary No. 7.

Key votes and approvals - Schematic design for the Willis High School ninth grade center: the board approved schematic-design documents and authorized moving into the design-development phase and subsequent permitting. The architect described a three-story academic stack with a 2,000-seat competition gym, an athletics corridor to link to the existing campus, a dining commons with a view to the football field and CTE, and a central internal stair to improve visibility and supervision. The board approved the motion to proceed into design development 6–0.

- Elementary No. 7: Trustees approved the final design and a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) package with Stewart Builders. The board approved GMP #2 (construction package) not to exceed $35,269,354; combined with previously approved figures, the total GMP/contract figure reported to the board was approximately $37,000,002 (not to exceed $37,000,001.99 in the minutes). The motion passed 6–0.

- Material testing contract for Elementary No. 7: the board approved a contract with ECS Southwest (listed as ECS Southwest/ECS Southwest LLP in materials) for material testing and inspection services for $177,742 (minutes note a typed correction in the board packet; the final approved amount listed on the dais and in the motion was $177,742). Motion carried 6–0.

- Construction audit for Calfee Middle School (RL Townsend): the board approved a professional-services contract for a construction audit of the Calfee (ninth‑grade/Calfee) construction project with R.L. Townsend (not to exceed $39,120 billed hourly) to review pay applications, subcontractor charges and contract compliance. Motion carried 6–0.

- Generator at Brabham Middle School: the board approved Millennium Project Solutions for the Brabham Middle School generator replacement at a lowest-bid amount of $97,327.14. Motion carried 6–0.

- Furniture and technology and other purchases above $50,000 for Calfee Middle School and for Glenn/Brabham (middle schools): several not-to-exceed furniture and equipment orders were approved so the district can begin lead‑time purchases; motions carried 6–0. Board discussion included a request by at least one trustee to review sample desk/table tops and warranties because of wear on light-colored surfaces.

- E‑Rate category 1 and 2 contracts for fiber and hardware: the board awarded fiber contracts and infrastructure hardware bids for elementary No. 7 and the new transportation center and approved selected vendors contingent on E‑Rate approval: Skyrider Communications and Optimum for fiber (total eligible $67,050; district obligation 20% = $14,034.75), TurtleNet, Advanced Networks of Texas and Intex Southwest for switches, access points and UPS equipment (total eligible $361,978.14; district obligation 20% = $72,395.63). Motions carried 6–0.

- Vendor and program contracts: the board approved Contigo Ed (data-analysis services for CCMR outcomes) with Dell Foundation funding offset (contract value $75,800; net district obligation under $20,000 with foundation support) and approved the district’s acceptance of several grant awards (LASSO grants for AP Computer Science and instructional leadership funds for targeted campuses). Motions on vendors and grants carried by affirmative votes recorded in the minutes.

Nut graf: The actions taken clear key project phases—design-development and GMP—and secure required vendor services and hardware so construction, testing and procurement can proceed. Trustees repeatedly approved motions unanimously (typically 6–0), authorizing staff to proceed to the next phases while staff continue to refine budgets and logistics.

What trustees asked for or directed Board members asked for additional clarity and documentation in a few areas before procurement or acceptance: sample furniture materials and warranty details for classroom desks/tops (trustee concern about light-colored tops scratching over time); precise professional-development costs tied to instructional adoption (curriculum presentation), and continued updates on bonding/timing for the remaining voter-authorized debt issuance.

Ending: With the board’s approvals, district staff said they will proceed with design development for the ninth grade center, finalize construction procurement for Elementary No. 7, place time-sensitive orders for long‑lead items, and execute the approved professional and vendor contracts. Staff will return with guaranteed-maximum-price documents, contractor closeouts and updated cost reconciliations in future board meetings.