United ISD to pilot employee mental-health program with Pillar; contract to be presented to board

United Independent School District staff told trustees they plan to pilot an employee mental-health wellness initiative this school year using safety and security grant funds rather than the general fund, and recommended a contract with Pillar as the provider.

Manny Sanchez of Pillar told the board the firm has served district youth and is prepared to deliver services to employees to reduce absenteeism, prevent burnout and support campus safety. “When somebody reaches a state of emotional wellness, then we can expect good things to come full forth,” Sanchez said, describing employer benefits including improved retention and performance.

District staff said they aimed to start the pilot by Nov. 1 and that “every single full time employee will be eligible for services, regardless if they're insured or not.” Emma Castillo, who said she has worked for Pillar for six years, described the firm’s experience and emphasized the goal of preventing crises by offering preventative services to staff.

Courtney Jackson, director of purchasing, listed the mental-health wellness program as RFP 2024-027 and estimated the contract amount at $90,000 in the RFP summary presented to trustees. Staff emphasized the pilot will initially be limited by the number of available slots and that the board will be asked later in the agenda cycle to approve the actual contract.

Next step: staff will present the contract for board consideration at a future meeting; the workshop provided an informational presentation and procurement summary.