During its March 10 Leander ISD Board of Trustees meeting, the Board:
- Listened to the Superintendent report on COVID-19
- Heard a presentation from the Chief of Diversity Equity and Inclusion on an Action Plan for 2022
- Continued budget discussion for the 2022–23 school year
View the entire agenda. Watch the livestream video.
Spotlight on Learning: Leander Middle School
Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D., reported to the Board that the district is mirroring the downward trend of COVID-19 cases we are seeing across the county. Williamson County is reporting five cases/100k population. Changes to how we manage COVID-19 protocols will be announced in the near future.
Superintendent Report on COVID-19
Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D., reported to the Board that the district is mirroring the downward trend of COVID-19 cases we are seeing across the county. Williamson County is reporting five cases/100k population. Changes to how we manage COVID-19 protocols will be announced in the near future.
DEI Action Plan Presented to the Board
“The sun hits everyone without distinction,” Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer DeWayne Street said. He used this analogy to illustrate equity. Street provided a framework for equity in his action plan to the Board. It includes a professional development model based on reflective practice as well as accountability measures. Street also reassured the Board that the plan aligns and compliments Board policy.
Raising Revenue, Cutting Costs: 2022-23 Budget Discussion Continues
In light of facing a projected budget deficit, Chief Financial Officer Elaine Cogburn presented the Board with information regarding a Voter Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE). This election would allow the district to manage the tax rate to accommodate increasing costs in maintenance and operation while still paying debt obligations.
“What sets us up for success?” Board Secretary Elexis Grimes said. “I am against a tax increase, but how do you overcome ballot language that states a tax increase, even though it’s a tax rate decrease. But, because of soaring home values, property owners tax bills will be higher. If we call an election, I don’t want people to be confused or think we’re being disingenuous with the information we’re communicating.”
Calling a VATRE would help the district cover rising payroll costs, which account for 85% of district spending. However, it would not prevent a budget shortfall. Even if voters approved the change in tax rate, the district would still need to reduce costs by more than $20 million. The district is proposing spreading the cuts over a three-year period.
“As a result of having a district with 41k students and growing, we have a large system,” Board President Trish Bode said. “85% of our income is for our payroll, so our direction as a board could have a significant impact on the educational environment. We’re going to be cautious of what we ask from our community while balancing that there are multiple factors impacting our school district and budget right now. The M&O compression has really tied the hands of what we can do with our existing expenditures and the budget we have.”
Since the proposed VATRE would move revenues from the district’s tax collections for bonded debt, the Board also heard from the district’s financial advisor PFM about how the transfer of tax revenues would impact the district’s ability to manage outstanding bonds. Since excess tax collections exist for the current fiscal year, the Board will consider a defeasance order at its March 24 meeting. This action would give administration the ability to move forward with setting up an escrow account and defeasing specific bonds thereby removing those obligations from the district’s books.
