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Willis ISD highlights grant growth, GEAR UP student wins and approves health‑insurance renewal
Summary
District officials said Willis ISD now manages about $11.2M in grant funding across 26 programs, highlighted a new seven‑year GEAR UP award and student testimonials, and approved a Blue Cross Blue Shield renewal after a benefits presentation warned of a projected ~23% premium increase driven by claim experience.
Willis ISD trustees on July 8 heard a wide grants and benefits briefing that combined program wins with a difficult benefits renewal decision.
Grants coordinator Meaghan (presenting) said the district’s grant portfolio has grown from roughly $4.6 million in 2023 to more than $11.2 million in current funding across 26 programs. Staff highlighted Title I (about $1.9 million), Perkins CTE gains (staff reported a ~140% increase in industry certifications and expanded dual‑credit opportunities) and a new federal GEAR UP award the district will run for the next seven years (year‑one funding of $220,000, with year‑two negotiations ongoing). The presentation included student reports: Grayson Reed and Erin Moreno (algebra program) and Diane and Eli (Discovery Days) described college visits, algebra acceleration and ACT/SAT prep.
Benefits consultants from Walker & Associates reviewed Willis ISD’s health plan claims: nine‑month claims were reported at about $6.0 million with an annualized projection near $8.1 million. Medical claims year‑to‑date were up about 25%, driving a proposed renewal showing roughly a 23% increase overall; fixed costs rose less steeply. Consultants proposed plan‑design options to reduce exposure, including raising family out‑of‑pocket maximums and moving to two high‑deductible plan options. Staff said pharmacy costs had been contained through negotiations and a high generic‑dispensing rate (~92%).
After discussion, the board voted to renew Blue Cross Blue Shield as the district’s carrier and to approve proposed funding levels for the 2026–27 plan year (motion carried 5‑0). Administration said it would continue to evaluate plan‑design alternatives and return options that aim to better align projected spend with available funding.
Other items in the grants briefing included a 30‑day public comment period opening for federal grants and several state grant successes in math, computer science AP exam participation and advising framework planning.
What’s next: public comment on federal grants will open for 30 days; benefits staff will return with plan‑design alternatives and savings scenarios, and grant staff will follow up on pending awards and year‑two GEAR UP negotiations.
