Leander, Texas, August 30, 2025
News Summary
During a town hall meeting, Leander parents expressed strong opposition to proposals for closing three elementary schools due to significant budget deficits. Leander ISD has reported a projected $34 million deficit for the upcoming academic year, prompting discussions on potential school closures. Parents voiced concerns about the impact on educational quality and community wellbeing, arguing against the rationale of enrollment figures when all targeted schools hold an A rating. The school board plans to discuss the proposals further with a final decision expected soon.
Leander, Texas – During a recent town hall meeting held on August 28, 2025, parents in Leander voiced their strong opposition to the proposals from Leander Independent School District (ISD) that could result in the closure of three elementary schools: Steiner Ranch Elementary, Laura Welch Bush Elementary, and River Ridge Elementary. These proposed closures are part of a strategy to address significant budget deficits and declining enrollment in the district.
The Leander ISD has outlined three proposals to mitigate the district’s financial challenges stemming from a projected $34 million deficit for the 2025-26 academic year and an anticipated $16 million shortfall in the following year. Superintendent Bruce Gearing attributed these financial difficulties primarily to the chronic underfunding of public education in Texas. Each school earmarked for potential closure is currently operating below 60% capacity, which Gearing claims necessitates consolidation.
Despite the district’s financial rationale, parents have raised significant concerns about the quality of education provided at these schools. All three schools currently hold an A rating from the Texas Education Agency, which the parents argue indicates that these schools are performing well and should not be closed due to enrollment figures alone. Many parents have described the discussions around the proposed closures as hasty and reactionary, fearing consequences on teacher-student ratios and increased traffic in the neighborhoods affected.
Leander ISD board member Paul Gauthier has also pointed out issues regarding the district’s financial management, suggesting that the strategies currently in place might not effectively yield the savings the district seeks. Superintendent Gearing acknowledged the challenging emotional aspects of potentially closing schools where many families have established lasting relationships.
The board has planned several meetings to discuss the implications of these closures, with a definitive decision anticipated on October 9, 2025. Among the various proposals being considered, the complete closure of Steiner Ranch, Faubion, and Cypress Elementary could save the district approximately $4.1 million. Alternatively, keeping the three schools open but reducing staffing levels could save around $1.7 million. A third option that considers closing Steiner Ranch and Faubion while keeping staffing reductions at Cypress and Naumann Elementaries could yield savings of about $3.5 million.
Students have also expressed their sadness regarding the possible closures, highlighting the emotional impact such decisions can have on children. The community has called for greater transparency and better communication from the district regarding the factors influencing these proposed changes. Parents have noted that although district officials have been investigating school consolidations since 2021, they have not conducted various studies requested by the parents. These studies include assessments of the potential impact of school closures on student safety and other community factors.
A comprehensive proposal will be presented to the school board on September 18, and discussions will continue leading up to a final vote in October. As the date approaches, the Leander community remains anxious about the future of its elementary schools and the children who attend them.
FAQs
1. Why does Leander ISD want to close the elementary schools?
Leander ISD is facing significant budget deficits and is experiencing chronic under-enrollment, with the schools operating below 60% capacity. Proposals for closures aim to address these financial issues.
2. Which schools are being considered for closure?
The schools under consideration for potential closure are Steiner Ranch Elementary, Laura Welch Bush Elementary, and River Ridge Elementary.
3. What is the financial situation that leads to these proposals?
The district is projected to have a $34 million deficit for the 2025-26 academic year, with another $16 million anticipated for the following year. This fiscal strain necessitates discussions of budget cuts, including staffing reductions.
4. What are the different proposals on the table?
Closure of all three schools could save $4.1 million, a reduction in staffing while keeping the schools open could save $1.7 million, and closing two schools while maintaining reduced staffing at another could save $3.5 million.
5. When is the final decision expected to be made?
A final decision is expected on October 9, 2025, following multiple discussions and a proposal presentation to the school board on September 18.
Key Features of the Proposed Closures
| Proposal | Potential Savings |
|---|---|
| Complete closure of Steiner Ranch, Faubion, and Cypress Elementary | $4.1 million |
| Keeping the three schools open with reduced staffing | $1.7 million |
| Close Steiner Ranch and Faubion, maintain reduced staffing at Cypress and Naumann Elementaries | $3.5 million |
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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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