News Summary

In response to proposed closures of three elementary schools in Leander, Texas, parents have voiced strong opposition during a recent town hall meeting. Concerns have been raised about the decision-making process, which many feel lacks transparency. The Leander Independent School District’s proposals come amidst severe budget shortfalls and perceived under-enrollment issues. Parents argue these closures will negatively impact education quality and community cohesion. As the district faces a significant projected deficit, discussions continue on the future of these schools, with an emphasis on ensuring student welfare and adequate public engagement.

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

Leander, Texas — Parents in Leander have voiced strong objections to Leander Independent School District’s (ISD) proposals to close three elementary schools due to ongoing budget shortfalls. During a town hall meeting held on August 28, 2025, community members raised concerns regarding Steiner Ranch Elementary, Laura Welch Bush Elementary, and River Ridge Elementary, which are at risk of shutdown.

The Leander ISD has presented three proposals aimed at addressing budget constraints and under-enrollment within the district. Superintendent Bruce Gearing indicated that the motivations behind these potential closures stem from what he termed “chronic underfunding of public education” in Texas. The schools in question, each operating below 60% of their capacity, have been targeted as part of consolidation efforts.

Despite the stated reasons for closure, parents argue that the A ratings received from the Texas Education Agency contradict the narrative of under-enrollment, suggesting that the necessity for closure is questionable. Concerns regarding the emotional and educational effect on students are also mounting, as many parents feel the discussions have been abrupt and lack sufficient public engagement.

Community’s Concerns

Parents expressed worry that closing these schools would adversely affect teacher-student ratios and exacerbate traffic issues in the area. Additionally, there were calls for increased transparency and better communication from the school district regarding the decision-making processes surrounding the closures. Notable among these concerns was a request for data correlating school closures with implications for student safety and community welfare, which have reportedly not been thoroughly examined by the district since they began investigating the issue in 2021.

Financial Implications

The financial state of Leander ISD is dire, with a projected $34 million deficit for the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by an anticipated $16 million shortfall for the following year. The district’s various proposals indicate different potential costs savings to address these deficits. For instance, full closures of Steiner Ranch, Faubion, and Cypress Elementary could result in savings of $4.1 million. Alternatively, maintaining the three schools but reducing staff levels could save $1.7 million. Another proposal to close Steiner Ranch and Faubion while keeping staffing reduced at Cypress and Naumann Elementaries could generate $3.5 million in savings.

Next Steps and Meeting Timeline

The Leander ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet multiple times in the coming weeks to evaluate the situation. A proposal addressing the closure issue will be presented during a meeting on September 18, 2025, with a final decision expected to be made by October 9, 2025. Parents and community members remain anxious as the deadline approaches, fearing the loss of integral community resources.

Emotional Impact on Students

For students, the prospect of school closures has evoked feelings of sadness and uncertainty. Elementary students, such as Ella and Connor Parker, have articulated their distress about the potential loss of their schools, reflecting the emotional toll that these discussions are taking on children.

Moving Forward

As discussions about the future of these schools continue, the Leander community is hoping for a resolution that keeps the best interests of the students and community at heart. Parents are urging the school district to consider all factors before making a final decision. The conversation surrounding the potential closures highlights the challenges faced by educational institutions in balancing financial pressures while striving to maintain quality education and community engagement.

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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 MILWAUKEE WRITER

MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.