United ISD Extends Employee Wellness Days for 2025-26, Eyes Policy Revisions

The United Independent School District (UISD) Board of Trustees has approved the continuation of employee wellness days for the 2025–2026 academic year, reaffirming its commitment to staff mental health and well-being. The initiative grants two wellness days annually to all district employees, allowing them to address personal or health-related needs.

Superintendent Gerardo Cruz emphasized the importance of this program, noting that many employees have already benefited from the wellness days. He clarified that any unused wellness days from the 2024–2025 school year must be utilized by the end of 2026. Specifically, teachers are required to use these days by May 30, while administrators have until June 30.

During the board meeting, concerns were raised regarding the current policy’s requirement for employees to notify their supervisors in advance when taking a wellness day. Trustee Dianelle Martinez highlighted that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, often arise unpredictably, making advance notice challenging. “Feelings, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts don’t have a set date or time,” Martinez stated, advocating for more empathetic and flexible guidelines.

Superintendent Cruz responded by explaining that wellness days are treated as discretionary leave, which traditionally requires prior approval, especially around holidays and assessment periods. However, he acknowledged the need for clearer language and indicated that the regulation could be revised to better accommodate unforeseen mental health needs.

Trustee Ramiro Veliz Jr. echoed the call for fewer restrictions, emphasizing that the original intent of wellness days was to provide employees with the freedom to address their well-being without bureaucratic hurdles. Board President Javier Montemayor supported revisiting the guidelines in a future meeting to ensure they align with the program’s objectives.

Associate Superintendent Rebecca Coss-Morales clarified that the notification requirements are part of administrative regulations rather than formal policy, making them more amenable to revisions. The board subsequently approved a motion to revisit and potentially revise the regulation, with updated language to be presented in a forthcoming session.

The UISD Employee Wellness Program, overseen by Coordinator Cordelia R. Sarabia, aims to foster a culture of health and wellness among all employees. The program offers various activities, tools, and resources to encourage proactive health management. In addition to wellness days, the district has initiated a mental health wellness pilot program in collaboration with PILLAR, a firm experienced in providing mental health services. This pilot, funded through a safety and security grant, seeks to offer counseling services to employees, addressing issues such as absenteeism, burnout, and overall job satisfaction.

The continuation and potential enhancement of the wellness days program reflect UISD’s broader commitment to employee well-being. By addressing the concerns raised and revising the existing regulations, the district aims to create a more supportive environment that acknowledges the unpredictable nature of mental health challenges.

As the district moves forward, the board’s willingness to adapt policies in response to employee needs signifies a proactive approach to fostering a healthier, more resilient workforce.