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State safety audit praises Willis ISD efforts; enrollment edges up and capital projects advance
Summary
Presenters told the board that a state-required three-year safety audit found strong district safety governance and high survey responses; enrollment increased to 9,543 students and capital projects from the 2022 bond are progressing, including the near-complete Castle Schult elementary project and planning for a ninth-grade campus.
A district safety official presented the three-year safety audit required by the Texas Education Code, summarizing the auditor's findings that Willis ISD maintains "strong, consistently implemented systems" for safety and security, while recommending targeted enhancements to communication reliability and equipment consistency. The presenter highlighted unusually high survey response rates (about 400 staff and 600 parent responses) and high agreement scores on safety statements (e.g., "95.5% of Willis ISD staff report that school safety goals and priorities are clearly defined").
Enrollment and attendance updates followed: the district reported total enrollment of 9,543 students (an increase of 196 year over year), with Willis High up 46 students and the middle schools up 114. District attendance was reported at 93.84%.
Capital projects staff provided bond-program updates: Ruth Castle Schult Elementary is roughly 70% complete, site work is under way for the transportation facility, ninth-grade campus design is complete and a Cannon Elementary 10-classroom addition is planned using bond savings. Staff described small delays on some lighting and site elements but said most work is on schedule for the upcoming openings.
Trustees asked clarifying questions about audit timelines and construction milestones. Administration said required audit documentation will be submitted to the state in the April–September audit cycle and that the city utility agreement approved by the board will support campus openings and infrastructure connections.
