News Summary
Parents in Leander are rallying against the proposed closures of three elementary schools as the LISD cites severe budget deficits. The emotional toll on families and the demand for transparency were highlighted during a recent town hall meeting. Superintendent Bruce Gearing has linked the proposed closures to chronic underfunding of public education in Texas, raising concerns over teacher-student ratios and community impact. A final decision on the matter is expected soon, as parents continue to advocate for keeping these schools open.
Leander, Texas – Parents in Leander have voiced strong opposition to the Leander Independent School District’s (LISD) proposal to close three elementary schools during a town hall meeting held on August 28, 2025. The schools at risk include Steiner Ranch Elementary, Laura Welch Bush Elementary, and River Ridge Elementary, all of which are operating below 60% capacity.
Superintendent Bruce Gearing cited chronic underfunding of public education in Texas as a primary reason for the proposed closures. The LISD is grappling with significant budgetary challenges, projecting a deficit of $34 million for the 2025-26 academic year and a further deficit of $16 million for the 2026-27 year. In light of these issues, district officials have put forward three proposals aimed at addressing under-enrollment and financial shortfalls.
The proposals range from closing all three elementary schools to reducing staffing levels in the remaining schools. Closing Steiner Ranch, Faubion, and Cypress Elementary could save $4.1 million, while keeping the three schools open with reduced staffing could save $1.7 million. Another option includes the closure of Steiner Ranch and Faubion, maintaining reduced staffing levels at Cypress and Naumann Elementaries, which could save approximately $3.5 million.
Concerns about the closures were echoed by several parents during the meeting. They questioned the rationale behind the decision, especially since the affected schools recently received A ratings from the Texas Education Agency. Parent and PTA president Kaycee Parker indicated that the discussions surrounding the closures appeared hasty and reactionary. Other parents, like Dara Irsfeld and Katie Green, expressed their apprehensions about how the closures would affect teacher-student ratios and community traffic.
Board member Paul Gauthier also raised questions regarding the financial management of the district, suggesting that the proposed plans may not effectively address the financial issues at hand. Superintendent Gearing acknowledged the emotional toll these potential closures could have on families, noting the strong relationships the community has formed with the schools over the years.
The LISD Board of Trustees is set to meet multiple times to discuss these proposals, with a final decision expected on October 9, 2025. Parents have called for greater transparency in the decision-making process, stating that the district has not adequately communicated the details surrounding the proposed closures. Furthermore, the district has been exploring school consolidations since 2021 but has failed to conduct certain requested studies regarding the implications of closures on student safety and community factors.
Students, such as Ella and Connor Parker, conveyed their sadness at the prospect of closing their schools, highlighting the emotional ramifications these decisions could have on children. Parents are increasingly seeking more data to understand the necessity and impact of the proposed changes, pressing the district for clearer information before the final vote.
As the board prepares for a proposal presentation on September 18, parents continue to rally against the potential closures, advocating for the importance of maintaining these schools as vital community assets. The outcomes of these discussions will significantly shape the future of the LISD and its elementary education landscape.
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Additional Resources
- KXAN: Concerns Erupt in Town Hall Meeting over Potential Leander ISD School Closures
- Statesman: Parents Protest Possible Leander School Closures
- CBS Austin: Leander ISD Considers School Consolidations Amid Budget Deficit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- KVUE: Leander ISD School Closures and Budget Deficit
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