02/05/2025
"There has been a systematic and prolonged effort by some to undermine public education in Texas."
UPDATE:: Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing addressed district staff and the public on Wednesday afternoon, outlining plans for staff reductions and the elimination of the district's International Baccalaureate program.
"There has been a systematic and prolonged effort by some to undermine public education in Texas," Gearing said, noting that Texas Legislators left $4.5 billion that was appropriated for public education unused last session and urged residents to contact their legislators who are meeting now to decide the future of public education funding in Texas.
"The State of Texas has not increased school funding since 2019—despite rising operational costs. Like many school districts, not only Leander ISD, but our families, likewise, are experiencing a 22% rise in inflation. In addition, the state has cut funding for instructional materials, limiting resources for textbooks and classroom materials. On top of that, at the federal level, Leander ISD will lose $1.5 million in Title I funds, which directly support academic resources for students from low-income families. Another $1.5 million was cut from a Medicaid reimbursement program called SHARS (Student Health and Related Services)–funding that covers costs related to therapy that supports students with disabilities," the district said.
Gearing outlined plans for cost reductions of 6% at the central office and 5.8% at the campus level.
"The District will also discontinue its Empowerment Fund, a $2 million grant program available to staff to drive initiatives that support deeper learning. Still in the early phases of implementation, the District will look at supporting staff and students through other available initiatives," Gearing said.
BREAKING: Some Leander ISD teachers have been told to expect that the district may initiate layoffs and possibly other cuts in the face of state budget conditions. One proposal reportedly being discussed is closing one of the district's elementary schools and distributing the enrollment among other nearby schools.
Note: This is a developing story. We will report more as information becomes available.
