This was a letter emailed to legislators who represent Leander ISD. On Wednesday, the Texas House began deliberating a comprehensive $8 billion public school finance bill aimed at increasing per-student funding, raising teacher salaries, and enhancing support for special education by allocating resources based on students’ individual needs.
Later in the day, the House is also expected to consider its version of Senate Bill 2, which would create a program allowing families to use public funds for private education expenses.
Both pieces of legislation represent significant developments in education policy and are expected to be the focus of extended debate.
Dear Members of the Texas Legislature,
Today, I took a leap of faith. The Cedar Park High School leadership class invited me to participate with them in the climbing and high ropes course on campus. Set in the shade of beautiful oak trees on campus, the course is designed to develop the skills outlined in our graduate profile: leadership, collaboration, communication, risk-taking, failing forward, adaptability, and compassion.
“Spotters ready!”
“Ready!”
“Belay on!”
“On!”
“Climbing!”
“Climb on!”
I climbed the 40-foot pole safely in a harness and rope. Standing on the top – no railing to grip – took my breath away. My heart beat fast and my breath came in short gasps. Just enough fear and adrenaline to make me feel alive. I trusted the team.
“1-2-3”
I took a leap of faith. And they caught me.
On Wednesday, legislators will consider how to finance public schools in the great state of Texas. They will decide how we can develop the future of our state, who are sitting in our public school classrooms every day.
Here’s how the current version of HB2 affects Leander ISD. Please note I truly appreciate the incredible work legislators are doing to help public education. This is just some food for thought about our current reality.
Leander ISD is currently facing a $34 million deficit for 2025-2026. We have reduced expenditures by almost $16 million, and the Board has agreed to expand our deficit parameter to 4.5%, allowing us to adopt a $19.6 million deficit. We can do this for one more year, but we cannot afford to dip into reserves after that for cash flow reasons.
Here’s part of the problem:
- The bill includes a $21 million increase in M&O funding for Leander ISD, BUT…
- 40% of any increase must be used for teacher, nurse, and librarian increases,
- AND 75% of the 40% must go directly to teachers (a reflection of how much legislators value these dedicated educators. For that, we are grateful).
SO…
- $8 million goes to specific staff raises.
- $4 million goes to provide a 2% increase for staff, like bus drivers, food service workers, custodians, aides, etc., because, otherwise, we have a serious imbalance problem in our compensation plan.
- That leaves $9 million to reduce the deficit in Year 1, which gets us to a $10 million deficit, which is within the 3% threshold, but will probably be realized.
The following year, we’re $4 million shorter than that and further over the deficit threshold than before, so likely we have to cut further.
It’s even worse in 2027.
So long story short: we appreciate every dollar the measure gives us, and it helps. But, it doesn’t solve the structural problem of public school funding.
Today was my last opportunity to experience this leap of faith. Part of our expenditure reductions is to eliminate this phenomenal program from Leander ISD. Our students will not have this experience in the years to come. This means the dismantling of the high ropes courses at all six high schools and the elimination of the position of High Ropes and Leadership Instructor.
Yesterday, Greg Glover, who filled that position for the past 22 years in Leander ISD, retired. He’s the one who invited me to take my Leap of Faith today. He exemplifies The Leander Way, our deep culture of continual improvement. He is an innocent victim of the larger structural issues with public school finance. His grace and kindness have been exemplary throughout this extremely difficult budget process as we eliminated 220 positions across our district.
Today, I took a leap of faith. I trusted my team. Legislators, as you consider how to fund public schools, I urge you to take a leap of faith. Trust your public school district teams to have the best interests of their communities at heart. Grant us the local control to make unique decisions for unique circumstances. Focus your efforts on giving us as much flexibility and local control as possible. We will catch you.
Respectfully,
Bruce Gearing, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Leander ISD
