Tensions at community meeting
Parents voiced strong opposition on Aug. 25 as Leander ISD hosted a community conversation on potential school consolidations. The proposal under review includes merging Cypress Elementary with Naumann Elementary, a plan that many families say threatens the culture and history of their school.
“I think that the culture of our school is really special,” said PTA Secretary Nicole Krauss. “Things that are decades in the making are not that easy to replicate.”
District explains rationale
Superintendent Bruce Gearing pointed to a mix of challenges: declining enrollment in the southern and central parts of the district, rising growth in the north, and state underfunding.
“The school board has been discussing for almost four years now how to manage high growth in one area and declining student population in another,” Gearing said. “Breaking apart community schools and combining them together will certainly be difficult.”
He emphasized that the issue is not just financial. “This is also about the student experience and what’s best for our students,” Gearing said.
Parents urge alternatives
Families argued that Cypress Elementary, an A-rated campus with a historical marker, should not be considered for closure. “It would be such a loss,” Krauss said, noting strong educational and community performance.
Parents also called the district’s timeline too rushed. “I just feel like that’s extremely aggressive,” said parent Matthew Ormiston. “I worry they are rushing to a conclusion without exploring all the alternatives.”
Krauss added that she wants leaders to consider other ways to save or raise revenue: “There are so many other viable options to pursue.”
Next steps in the process
Leander ISD is hosting additional community conversations this week for schools also being considered for consolidation. A formal proposal will go to the Board of Trustees on September 18, with a final vote scheduled for October 9.
Thanks to cbsaustin.com for the scoop.
