In December, the Board of Trustees adopted staffing thresholds based on campus enrollment. This decision was based on the desire to keep neighborhood schools open, while addressing the reality of our current budget. As always, everyone is committed to maintaining strong academic and enrichment opportunities for every student.
These adjustments do not eliminate programs. We know that strong elementary fine arts and physical education experiences are important to our families, our staff and our district. These early opportunities build the foundation for our nationally recognized fine arts and athletic programs, and we are working to protect students’ instructional time while ensuring educators are supported with balanced workloads across campuses.
Why are these adjustments necessary?
Across Texas, school districts are continuing to operate in a limiting financial environment. State funding for the day-to-day operations of public schools has remained largely unchanged since 2019, while experiencing the same increase in everyday costs as our families.
At the same time, enrollment patterns in LISD have varied widely among our elementary campuses. Some schools serve close to 900 students while others serve fewer than 400. Maintaining identical staffing structures across campuses of very different sizes can create uneven workloads for staff.
To address these challenges responsibly, the district developed enrollment-based staffing guidelines that align staffing levels with campus size while continuing to support strong student experiences.
Enrollment thresholds
The Board approved the following enrollment thresholds for elementary campuses:
- Less than 400 students
- Less than 500 students
- More than 850 students
- More than 1,000 students
While staffing adjustments help align resources with enrollment, the district remains committed to supporting smaller campuses and the communities they serve. District marketing and mitigation efforts will continue to focus on strengthening enrollment and ensuring families understand the opportunities available for every student.
What will changes look like?
At smaller campuses, some full-time positions may be shared between nearby schools or adjusted to a part-time allocation and combined with a school’s other part-time allocation.
Examples may include:
- Shared fine arts or Specials teachers between partner campuses
- Adjustments to front office staffing
- Shared library services
- Adjustments to campus administrative support at the smallest campuses
To reiterate, these adjustments do not eliminate programs.
For example, in Specials rotations a performing arts class that previously met once each week might shift to meeting twice during one week and then pause the following week. While the schedule may look different, students continue receiving the same overall learning experience.
Similarly, in some cases a teacher who previously taught one fine arts subject may teach multiple fine arts courses. The high level of curriculum expectations and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards remain the same for students.
Supporting our staff through this process
We recognize this adjustment can be challenging, particularly for staff who have built meaningful relationships within their school communities. Leander ISD is following established surplus and reassignment guidelines. The district’s Human Resources team has worked closely with campus leaders to support the teachers impacted. Whenever possible, we are helping them secure positions within LISD that match their certification and experience.
We are grateful for the dedication of our educators and staff members. Their patience and understanding has been outstanding, and we will continue to support them through this transition.
Impacted Schools
- Less than 500: Block House Creek, Camacho, Cox, Cypress, Giddens, Grandview Hills, Hisle, Knowles, Laura W. Bush and Naumann
- Less than 400: Steiner Ranch and River Ridge
What happens next?
Campus principals received their staffing allocations in early March and are now working with district leaders to:
- Develop master schedules for the 2026–27 school year
- Identify opportunities to share staff between partner campuses
- Meet with staff members whose roles may be impacted
- Communicate campus-specific plans with families
Because each campus is unique, some details may look different from school to school. Principals will share additional information with their school communities once campus planning is finalized.
Our focus remains the same
- Maintaining the same high-quality student experience
- Ensuring a balanced workload for staff across campuses
- Using responsible, enrollment-based staffing models to support long-term sustainability
As enrollment patterns continue to evolve, these guidelines help the district adapt thoughtfully while continuing to serve students well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any elementary schools closing?
Faubion Elementary will close at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Other schools with enrollments less than 500 students will see staffing adjustments designed to align staffing levels with enrollment at each campus.
Will smaller schools still have the same opportunities for students?
Yes. Maintaining strong student experiences remains a top priority in the district’s planning.
While some staffing structures may change, the district’s goal is to ensure students continue receiving high-quality instruction, enrichment opportunities and supportive learning environments.
Are fine arts or Specials programs being eliminated?
No.
Students will continue participating in physical education and fine arts as part of their Specials rotation.
The schedule or staffing model will look different. Teachers may serve more than one campus or certain classes may rotate on different days or different weeks. However, students will continue receiving high-quality learning experiences in Specials.
Will students still have Specials every day?
Yes. Elementary students will continue participating in daily Specials rotations that include physical education and fine arts.
In some cases, the scheduling format may change. For example, a class might meet twice in one week and then rotate the following week instead of meeting once every week.
Are teachers losing their jobs?
The district follows established surplus and reassignment guidelines when staffing adjustments occur. Whenever possible, these changes are managed through normal attrition — retirements, resignations, or teachers moving to other positions — rather than job loss. Human Resources works closely with affected employees to help them find open positions within Leander ISD that match their certification and experience whenever possible.
We know that our teachers and staff members are more than just the roles they serve. They are trusted members of their school communities who have built meaningful relationships with students and families over many years. We are committed to supporting those employees thoughtfully throughout this transition.
How will shared staff work between campuses?
Nearby campuses with similar enrollment may partner to share certain staff positions.
Schedules may vary depending on the role and the needs of each school. In some cases, staff may rotate between campuses on specific days or weeks.
Are these changes permanent?
Staffing allocations shared with campus leaders in early March are based in part on projected enrollment for the 2026–27 school year. The district will continue monitoring enrollment patterns and staffing needs as part of its regular planning process.
Why are these changes happening now?
Texas public schools continue to face financial challenges. The state has not increased the basic funding allotment that supports day-to-day school operations since 2019, while costs for transportation, utilities, materials and employee benefits have increased significantly.
At the same time, enrollment varies significantly between elementary campuses. Adjusting staffing to match enrollment helps the district maintain strong programming while using resources responsibly.
Which schools are affected?
- Less than 500: Block House Creek, Camacho, Cox, Cypress, Giddens, Grandview Hills, Hisle, Knowles, Laura W. Bush and Naumann
- Less than 400: Steiner Ranch and River Ridge
