Leander ISD approves long-range planning resolution and announces new leadership changes

The Leander ISD board of trustees has unanimously approved a resolution that establishes a long-range planning framework focused on financial sustainability and district operations through the 2026–27 school year and beyond. The decision, made at the Sept. 30 meeting, outlines steps for campus consolidation, community consultation, and new strategies to stabilize the district’s budget.

According to district documents, the framework defines roles and timelines for evaluating campuses, managing facilities, and exploring cost-saving opportunities. It also directs staff to develop criteria for identifying underutilized campuses and to engage stakeholders before making changes to educational programs.

The resolution comes as Leander ISD faces projected budget shortfalls of $22.8 million in 2026–27, $29.3 million in 2027–28, and $32.3 million in 2028–29.

Proposals previously discussed by the board included possible school consolidations and repurposing facilities such as Cypress, Faubion, and Steiner Ranch Elementary Schools, which have faced community opposition. Other ideas include open enrollment, selling or leasing district-owned land, and using special education funding to offset expenses.

Trustee Francesca Romans urged the board to implement clear timelines and accountability measures, saying the district must “stop delaying decisions that affect families, educators, and neighborhoods.”

Leander ISD also announced that Erika Cruz, current principal of Danielson Middle School, will take over as principal of the district’s Early College High School. Cruz will support both campuses during the transition to minimize disruptions for students and staff.

In addition, Trustee Francesca Romans, who was first elected in 2022, announced her resignation on Oct. 22 for health reasons. The board is expected to formally accept her resignation during a special meeting on Oct. 28. Trustees will either appoint a replacement to serve through November 2026 or call a special election.

The board also discussed updates to the Citizens Facility Advisory Committee (CFAC) charters, which guide future bond development. While no bond election has been authorized yet, officials said the earliest possible date would be November 2026.

Chief Operations Officer Jeremy Trimble said the district is on a four- to five-year bond cycle and expects project needs from the 2023 bond to accumulate by 2030–31. The CFAC could begin its work as early as spring 2026 to prepare recommendations for the next proposal.