Leander ISD’s board convened Wednesday to discuss consolidating schools amid a $13 million budget shortfall and falling enrollment.
About 60 speakers, including parents, teachers and students, attended the meeting to voice their concerns about the proposed closures.
Many parents, teachers and students shared why the school district should not close their schools, citing community impact and student needs.
Over the last few months, the board has discussed ways to cut down as they face an almost $13 million budget shortfall and declining enrollment.
Board Meeting Overview
The Wednesday meeting drew a large crowd of community members, with roughly 60 speakers presenting their viewpoints on the district’s future.
The board’s discussions highlighted the financial strain, noting a nearly $13 million deficit that has forced a reevaluation of facilities and staffing.
Declining enrollment numbers have compounded the fiscal challenges, prompting the board to consider consolidations and closures.
Consolidation Decision
Leander ISD Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Trimble outlined the scenarios the district is evaluating.
“What I am going to do is overview the scenarios that are on the table tonight for consideration,” said Leander ISD Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Trimble.
The first scenario involves the potential consolidation of Faubion Elementary with West Side Elementary, coupled with a transition plan for the 2026-27 school year.
The board approved this consolidation with a 5-to-2 vote, directing administration to implement the transition plan for 2026 to 2027.
The motion passed 5 to 2, reflecting a clear majority in favor of the merger.
Future Planning and Budget
Future meetings will address additional moves, with February slated to examine payroll and positions that could be eliminated.
A preliminary budget is expected in April, followed by a “near final” budget in May.
The board is expected to vote on its final budget in June 2026.
Staffing Reductions
In February, the district announced a staffing reduction of 6% at the central office level and 5.8% at the campus level for the 2025-2026 school year.
These cuts are part of the broader strategy to align resources with the district’s reduced enrollment and financial constraints.
The reductions will affect both administrative and instructional staff across the district.
Community Response and Impact
Parents, teachers, and students voiced strong opposition to the closures, arguing that the schools serve essential educational and community functions.
The consolidation of Faubion Elementary with West Side Elementary will affect students, families, and staff, requiring adjustments in transportation, class sizes, and staffing.
The district’s transition plan will outline how to manage these changes over the 2026-27 school year.
Administrative steps include reassigning teachers, reallocating classroom space, and updating transportation routes.
The board’s next steps involve monitoring the implementation and gathering feedback from stakeholders.
Key Takeaways
- Leander ISD approved the merger of Faubion Elementary with West Side Elementary, with a transition plan for 2026-27.
- The district faces an almost $13 million budget shortfall and declining enrollment, prompting consolidations and staffing cuts.
- Staffing reductions of 6% at central office and 5.8% at campus level will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year.
Closing
The board’s decision marks a significant shift in Leander ISD’s approach to managing financial pressures and changing student populations. Stakeholders will continue to monitor how the transition unfolds in the coming years.
