Leander, Texas, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Parents in Leander are raising concerns over the proposed closure of three elementary schools by the Leander Independent School District due to budget constraints. During a recent town hall meeting, parents questioned the district’s rationale, as the affected schools maintain high performance ratings despite low enrollment. With projected deficits looming, the community is worried about the potential impact on educational quality and class sizes. A final decision on the closures is expected in early October.
Leander, Texas – Parents in Leander are expressing significant concern regarding the proposed closures of three elementary schools by the Leander Independent School District (LISD) due to budget complications. A town hall meeting held on August 28, 2025, gathered numerous parents who voiced their objections to the district’s plans amid ongoing discussions regarding under-enrollment and financial constraints.
The schools on the chopping block are Steiner Ranch Elementary, Laura Welch Bush Elementary, and River Ridge Elementary. Superintendent Bruce Gearing indicated that the poor financial situation, characterized by what he described as the “chronic underfunding of public education” in Texas, is driving the potential closures. Each of the schools reportedly operates below 60% capacity, providing a basis for the district’s consideration of consolidation to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Despite the district’s reasoning, many parents questioned the rationale behind the proposed closures. They pointed out that the identified schools have received A ratings from the Texas Education Agency, questioning how low enrollment figures could justify shutting down high-performing institutions. Parents, including the PTA president, characterized the discussions about potential school closures as hasty and responsive rather than proactive.
Concerns were raised not just about academic performance but also about the broader implications for the community and student welfare. Parents articulated worries regarding the potential fall in teacher-student ratios and the potential for increased traffic congestion should students from the closed schools be relocated. There are fears that consolidation could negatively impact local educational quality and community dynamics.
Board member Paul Gauthier expressed additional worries regarding the district’s financial management and the effectiveness of the proposed plans to achieve real savings. The emotional ties the community has developed with these schools were acknowledged as a significant factor in the discussions about possible closures.
The LISD Board of Trustees is set to have multiple meetings in the following months to further evaluate the proposed schools’ futures. A final decision is expected on October 9, 2025. As financial pressures mount, the school district projects a $34 million deficit for the 2025-26 academic year, and an additional $16 million deficit anticipated for 2026-27. Budget conversations have included potential staffing adjustments alongside the proposed school closures.
Different proposals have been outlined for potential savings:
- Complete closure of Steiner Ranch, Faubion, and Cypress Elementary could save $4.1 million.
- Keeping all three elementary schools open but reducing staffing could save $1.7 million.
- Closing Steiner Ranch and Faubion while maintaining reduced staffing at Cypress and Naumann could result in $3.5 million in savings.
Students like Ella and Connor Parker have expressed sadness over the prospect of losing their schools, showing that the impact of such decisions reaches beyond financial implications into the emotional sphere of the student body. The parents have been vocal in their demands for improved transparency and more data from the district regarding the reasoning behind the closures, citing a lack of communication about the decision-making processes.
Investigations into school consolidations have been ongoing since 2021. However, certain studies requested by the community concerning student safety and related community factors have not been conducted. A formal proposal regarding the school closures is scheduled for presentation to the school board on September 18, prior to the final vote on October 9.
FAQs
What schools are proposed to be closed?
The schools proposed for closure are Steiner Ranch Elementary, Laura Welch Bush Elementary, and River Ridge Elementary.
When will the final decision on the closures be made?
A final decision on the proposed school closures is expected on October 9, 2025.
Why are these schools under consideration for closure?
The schools are considered for closure mainly due to chronic underfunding in Texas public education and lower than 60% capacity utilization.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Schools Proposed for Closure | Steiner Ranch Elementary, Laura Welch Bush Elementary, River Ridge Elementary |
| Projected Deficit | $34 million for 2025-26; $16 million for 2026-27 |
| Community Meeting Date | August 28, 2025 |
| Vote Date | October 9, 2025 |
| Savings Proposals | $4.1 million (closure), $1.7 million (staffing cuts), $3.5 million (partial closures) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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