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 decision, made during a special meeting on June 26, allows all district employees to take two wellness days annually for personal or health-related needs.
Superintendent Gerardo Cruz emphasized the importance of these days, noting that unused wellness days from the 2024–2025 school year must be utilized by the end of 2026. Specifically, teachers are required to use their wellness days by May 30, while administrators have until June 30 to do so. This policy aims to encourage timely use of wellness days to prevent burnout and promote proactive health management among staff.
The board also addressed concerns regarding the current notification requirements for taking wellness days. Trustee Dianelle Martinez highlighted that the existing policy mandates employees to notify their supervisors in advance, which may not be feasible in cases of sudden mental health challenges. “Mental health issues such as emotional distress, anxiety, or depression don’t follow a set timeline,” Martinez stated, advocating for more empathetic and flexible guidelines.
Superintendent Cruz acknowledged these concerns, explaining that wellness days are currently treated as discretionary leave, requiring prior approval, especially around holidays and assessment periods. However, he expressed openness to revising the policy to better accommodate unforeseen mental health needs. “Supervisors know their employees well enough to assess wellness episodes on a case-by-case basis,” Cruz noted, indicating a willingness to provide clearer language in the policy.
Trustee Ramiro Veliz Jr. supported reducing restrictions on the use of wellness days, emphasizing the original intent of the policy to provide flexibility for employees. Board President Javier Montemayor concurred, suggesting that the issue be revisited in a future meeting to consider revisions. Associate Superintendent Rebecca Coss-Morales clarified that the notification requirements are regulatory rather than policy-based, allowing for potential adjustments without formal board approval.
The UISD Employee Wellness Program, coordinated by Cordelia Sarabia, has been instrumental in promoting a culture of health and wellness among staff. The program offers various activities and resources, including health screenings, educational presentations, and fitness challenges, to encourage employees to take an active role in their well-being. In recognition of these efforts, UISD received a Gold Score Recognition from the American Heart Association in 2023 for its commitment to employee health.
As the district continues to prioritize staff wellness, the board’s decision to extend wellness days and consider policy revisions reflects a broader trend in educational institutions to support mental health proactively. By fostering an environment that values employee well-being, UISD aims to enhance job satisfaction, reduce burnout, and ultimately improve student outcomes through a healthier, more engaged workforce.
