Board vote and outcome
Leander ISD trustees voted during a special meeting on Dec. 17 to move forward with the closure of Faubion Elementary School. Beginning next school year, Faubion students will be consolidated into Westside Elementary at the Westside campus.
At the same meeting, the board chose to pause any decision related to Steiner Ranch Elementary. That part of the consolidation plan will be revisited at a later date.
Why the district took action
District leaders said the decision comes after reviewing enrollment trends, campus capacity, staffing needs, long term financial stability, and student experience. Board member Nekosi Nelson said the move gives Faubion students access to programs at Westside and allows the district to consider repurposing the Faubion campus to support future instructional needs.
The original proposal also included moving Steiner Ranch Elementary students to Bush and River elementary schools. Trustees agreed to delay that discussion and review updated enrollment data before making a decision.
Community input
Dozens of students, parents, and residents attended the meeting at Cedar Park Middle School to share feedback. Several speakers asked the board to explore other cost saving options before closing campuses. Concerns raised included longer commute times and how consolidation could affect student learning and school culture.
Andrew Hayslip, a parent with two children in the district, said declining enrollment remains a challenge even with consolidation. Others urged the board to consider the long term impact on families and neighborhoods.
What comes next
The board said school consolidation is new territory for Leander ISD and emphasized that future decisions will depend on enrollment trends. Trustees plan to monitor data closely and determine whether consolidation at Steiner Ranch Elementary should be reconsidered for the 2027–28 school year.
District administrators were also directed to develop a plan for possible future use of the Faubion campus, including whether it could support expansion of New Hope High School.
For now, Faubion’s closure marks a significant shift as the district works to balance finances with student needs.
Thanks kvue.com for the scoop.
