Leander, Texas, August 30, 2025

News Summary

In Leander, Texas, parents are voicing strong opposition to the Leander ISD proposal to close three elementary schools amid budget concerns. During a recent town hall meeting, community members criticized the school district’s justification for the potential closures of Steiner Ranch, Laura Welch Bush, and River Ridge Elementary, emphasizing the schools’ high performance ratings. Concerns were raised about the impact on students and teachers, as well as the transparency of the decision-making process. A final decision by the school board is expected soon.

Leander, Texas: Parents Rally Against Proposed Closures of Elementary Schools Amid Budget Concerns

Parents in Leander, Texas, have raised significant concerns regarding the Leander Independent School District’s (ISD) proposal to close three elementary schools due to budgetary and enrollment issues. During a town hall meeting on August 28, 2025, community members expressed their opposition to the potential closures, which could affect Steiner Ranch Elementary, Laura Welch Bush Elementary, and River Ridge Elementary.

The district has suggested three different proposals to address the issues of under-enrollment and a looming budget shortfall. According to Superintendent Bruce Gearing, the “chronic underfunding of public education” in Texas is a primary factor leading to these drastic measures. It is noted that each of the three schools operates below 60% capacity, which serves as a justification for consolidation considerations.

However, parents have contested the district’s rationale for the proposed closures, pointing out that the schools have received A ratings from the Texas Education Agency. They argue that this high performance contradicts the claims of low enrollment justifying the closures. Many parents, including Kaycee Parker, a local parent and PTA president, feel that the discussions surrounding the potential closures are hasty and reactionary.

Concerns were also voiced regarding the impact on teacher-student ratios and increased traffic in the community should the schools close. Board member Paul Gauthier highlighted worries over the district’s financial management, indicating that the current strategies may not lead to effective money savings.

Gearing acknowledged the strong community ties that have developed around these schools, which complicates the emotional landscape for both parents and students facing the prospect of closures. The Leander ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet multiple times in the upcoming weeks, with a final decision anticipated by October 9, 2025.

The district is currently facing a projected $34 million deficit for the 2025-26 academic year, with an additional deficit of $16 million expected for the following year. This financial situation has led to discussions on possible cost-saving measures, including staffing reductions. Various proposals could yield different savings amounts. Complete closure of Steiner Ranch, Faubion, and Cypress Elementary could save about $4.1 million, whereas maintaining the three schools with reduced staffing levels could save approximately $1.7 million. Another potential option includes closing only Steiner Ranch and Faubion while reducing staff at Cypress and Naumann Elementaries, potentially saving $3.5 million.

Students have also expressed distress at the thought of losing their schools, indicating the decision’s emotional toll. Parents are calling for increased transparency regarding the decision-making process, citing insufficient communication from the district about the implications of school closures. While the district has been discussing potential consolidations since 2021, it has not conducted several requested studies regarding the effects of closures on student safety and other community factors.

A formal proposal will be presented to the school board on September 18, 2025, before the final vote takes place on October 9, 2025.

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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

Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER

HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.