Willis ISD board approves sign‑on bonus, safety system purchase, construction contracts and boundary plan

At its Feb. 12 meeting the Willis ISD Board of Trustees voted on multiple items spanning personnel incentives, safety technology, construction procurement and attendance boundary changes. The board approved each listed motion; most votes were unanimous and a number showed 6–0 tallies on the record.

Votes at a glance - Bilingual teacher sign‑on bonus: Approved. Motion: approve at least a $1,000 sign‑on bonus for fully certified bilingual classroom teachers hired for 2025–26; payment in September subject to completion of the school year and reimbursement if a teacher leaves. Mover/second: Moved by Board Member Parsons; second by Coach Perry. Outcome: approved, vote 6–0. - Raptor emergency management and enhanced Raptor visitor hardware: Approved. Motion: purchase Raptor Emergency Management (includes Raptor Alert, team assist, drill manager, accountability and reunification modules) plus mobile Raptor Visitor hardware (iPads, wireless printers) and wearable Alertis buttons; one‑time cost presented as $334,403.50 with recurring annual software fees ($13,440 for Visitor, $35,750 for Emergency Management). Mover/second: Moved by Scott Carson; second by Coach (Charles) Perry. Outcome: approved, vote 6–0. The district indicated SAFE Cycle 1 grant funds will cover initial purchase and recurring costs through 2026–27, with a budget plan to cover ongoing costs thereafter. - 2025–26 academic calendar: Approved. Motion: adopt the drafted 2025–26 Willis ISD academic calendar (community survey favored option A). Mover/second: Moved by Chad Jones; second by Cliff Williams. Outcome: approved, vote 6–0. - CC Hardy Elementary targeted improvement plan (TIP): Approved. Motion: accept…