Leander ISD announces budget cuts, staffing adjustment
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Leander Independent School District on Wednesday said to meet budget demands due to slow growth it will see a staffing reduction of 6% at the central office level and 5.8% at the campus level for the 2025-2026 school year, the district announced in a press release Wednesday.
The change has led the district to use a “reduced growth” enrollment projection, leading to less revenue than anticipated and a reduction in staffing positions, according to the district.
The district cited the state has not increased school funding since 2019 despite rising operational costs. The state also cut Leander ISD’s funding for instructional material, limiting resources for textbooks and classroom materials.
The district also said on the federal level it lost $1.5 million in Title I funds, which help support academic resources for students from low-income families. Another $1.5 million was also cut from a Medicaid reimbursement program that covers costs related to therapy that supports students with disabilities.
According to the press release, Leander ISD will also discontinue its Empowerment Fund, a $2 million grant program available to staff to “drive initiatives that support deeper learning”.
Leander ISD said to make ends meet the district had to dip into its savings those school year. The district is currently looking to bridge the budget deficit to around $17 million with a reduction of $3 million (6%) at the central office level and $12.8 million (5.8%) at the campus level.
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Leander ISD provided a breakdown on Wednesday of staffing allocations for 2025-2026. (Courtesy of Leander ISD) -
Leander ISD provided a breakdown on Wednesday of staffing allocations for 2025-2026. (Courtesy of Leander ISD) -
Leander ISD provided a breakdown on Wednesday of staffing allocations for 2025-2026. (Courtesy of Leander ISD)
Leander ISD said any positions impacted are expected to occur through “natural attrition.” The district said this enables it to “make adjustments as needed while striving to maintain stability” for its employees.
The district will also hold several virtual listening sessions on Feb. 6 and Feb. 12., where the community will be able to ask questions and express their concerns.
The district expressed that it did not get into this position overnight citing lack of support from the state, and urged those to have their voice heard by contacting state senators and representatives.
“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,” Leander ISD said in the release.
