At the Sept. 18 Board meeting, Trustees directed administration to prepare for a Board resolution that will set expectations, deliverables and timelines before any decisions are considered. A special-called meeting is set for Tuesday, Sept. 30 to review and possibly adopt that resolution.

Key Takeaways

  • No campus decisions were made. The Board is choosing to craft a resolution to align process, data and timelines.
  • Budget context remains serious. Trustees and administration reiterated multi-year deficits and the need to align decisions in time to meet staffing/budget timelines for 2026–27.
  • What families can expect next. The Board will hold a special meeting Sept. 30 to review and potentially adopt a process-setting resolution that defines roles, timelines and required information before any school closure proposals are considered. No closure actions will be taken at this meeting.

Administrative Recommendation

Administration began to outline a near-term path centered on revising staffing guidelines at elementary campuses with low enrollment for 2026–27. The intent is to realize moderate, sustainable efficiencies while minimizing disruption to students and families. 

The recommendation comes amid a multi-year financial outlook showing the district near noncompliance with fund-balance policy in 2026–27 and out of compliance by 2027–28 if reductions are not implemented. In total, closing the gap will take multiple measures: preliminary “levers” under consideration include efficiencies tied to staffing / master schedules, student programs and central office / department staffing. Revenue / expenditure decisions such as a potential voter-approved tax rate election (VATRE), land sale or lease and a possible 2% pay increase scenario for staff could also significantly impact closing the budget gap. 

Administration estimates about $1.8 million in recurring annual savings from the revised staffing guidelines at elementary campuses with low enrollment, paired with continued analysis of how to more efficiently use facility space. Some central administration departments and programs could co-locate on under-enrolled campuses; however, needs like New Hope High School and space for the LISD Police Department are not easily relocatable and will require separate planning. 

While this is an operational decision, administration is grateful to the Board for their support through current policy and their understanding of our financial challenges. The Board’s decision to collaborate on a process-setting resolution also helps support the Long-Range Plan. 

“We’re passionate about this district, and passion needs a plan,” LISD Board President Anna Smith said. “This resolution keeps the Board in our lane and sets clear direction. It helps us stay on task and respect everyone’s time—administration’s, trustees’, and, most importantly, our community’s.”

What’s Next

  • Special Called Board Meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 30
    6:15 p.m. at Cedar Park Middle School. Agenda to be posted with required notice.
  • Regular Meeting: Thursday, Oct. 9
    6:15 p.m. at Cedar Park Middle School
  • Any campus consolidation decisions would occur only after the Board adopts a process/expectations and reviews the required data.