Leander ISD Superintendent of Schools Bruce Gearing shared with staff the following message on February 5 at 4:30 p.m.
Video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqg54S6gQ8Y:
Dear Leander ISD Staff,
As we plan for the 2025-26 school year, we want to share important updates regarding our budget planning and staffing decisions.
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.
At the same time, our district’s growth has slowed. This change has led us to use a “reduced growth” enrollment projection, which will ultimately bring in less revenue than previously anticipated and will also result in a reduction in staffing positions.
Budget Overview
This year, to make ends meet, the District dipped into savings (fund balance). Now, we face a projected $34.4 million deficit–a $21-million deficit above the board-approved deficit parameter. During meetings with district and campus leadership teams, we solicited feedback for insight and ideas to reduce expenditures and increase revenue. After an extensive review of the feedback and by implementing some of the personnel suggestions, I believe we can close the budget gap to around $17 million, which equates to $4 million above the board-approved deficit parameter. But, it won’t be easy. While we remain committed to prioritizing empowered student learning, it may not feel like it. These are difficult decisions designed to ensure financial stability. Part of this work is a reduction of approximately $3 million (6%) at the central office level and approximately $12.8 million (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.
Staffing Adjustments
With 87% of our budget dedicated to human capacity, we cannot make changes to the budget without impacting staff. The urgency of getting staffing allocations to principals meant prioritizing the identification of specific positions at the campus level. We are still working on identifying specific positions at the central office level, but remain steadfastly committed to reducing central office expenditures by $3 million. On Tuesday, each principal received modifications to their staffing allocations for 2025-2026. The following outlines the overall impact:
Next Steps
Principals and campus leaders are working closely with area superintendents and human resources personnel to implement these adjustments thoughtfully and supportively. Any position reductions are expected to occur primarily through natural attrition, enabling us to make adjustments as needed while striving to maintain stability for our employees.
We understand that changes of this scale are difficult. Throughout this process, treating our people with dignity and respect remains of utmost importance to us. As we continue through the budget cycle, we will continue to identify further expenditure reductions in areas outside of staffing to get closer to the board-approved parameter with a renewed focus and commitment to high-quality student experiences. We can and will do better with less.
I’m a big believer that clarity requires dialogue, and dialogue takes time. Over the coming days, we will be hosting webinars for you to gain that clarity, ask questions, and express your concerns. The Chief team is committed to listening carefully and answering questions with honesty and transparency. You’re invited to attend the following virtual listening sessions:
As a final thought, I would like to express that we did not get into this position overnight. There has been a systematic and prolonged effort by some to undermine public education in Texas. The State Legislature left $4.5 billion that was appropriated for public education unused last session. They are meeting again right now to decide how to spend the appropriations they have available to them in the current session. Draft House and Senate base budgets show revenue flowing to only some educators. The time to have your voice heard is now by contacting the state senators and representatives who represent you.
I appreciate your continued partnership as we navigate these challenges together. I am completely confident that together we can emerge stronger on the other side. We are #1LISD.
Sincerely,
Bruce Gearing, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools