Planning, Development, and Implementation of a University‐Led, Low‐Cost Employee Wellness Program in a preK‐12th‐Grade Public School District

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND A healthy preK‐12th‐grade school environment is critical to student well‐being and success. As role models, school employees play a significant part in creating a healthy environment. Research suggests that employee wellness programs (EWPs) may help school employees adopt healthier lifestyles and, therefore, be healthier, more productive, and serve as healthy role models for students. This article describes the process by which a school district in central Texas partnered with a local university to plan, develop, and implement an affordable EWP. METHODS A university‐led leadership team sought input from employees, including administrators, and conducted a 4‐week trial. These resulted in an EWP that provided health risk appraisals, fitness testing, group exercise classes, education seminars, online wellness resources, and blood draws/analysis. RESULTS During the first 4 years, membership ranged from 107 to 384 (10–37%), and the annual cost of the program ranged from $49 to $116 per participating employee. CONCLUSIONS University‐led EWP programs can support, at a low cost, the health of school employees. Despite low employee engagement, need was demonstrated and feedback was positive. Challenges identified include time demands and lack of principals' support. Future considerations include targeting principals, utilizing the Human Resources Office, and strategically building a culture of health.