Concern grows after Leander ISD announces job cuts and school vouchers move past Senate

LEANDER, Texas - Leander ISD plans to cut more than 200 jobs because of a lack of state funding. That has parents and educators worried.

Parents speak out

What they're saying:

Parents, both off-camera and on-camera, described Leander ISD’s decision on Wednesday to cut 215 positions in the next school year as "disappointing."

"All the teachers and people who have to lose their jobs, it’s really unfortunate because they are here for the kids," said Saba Hernandez, a Leander ISD parent.

Most of the frustrations heard from families were directed at lawmakers, especially after the state left $4.5 billion in its budget surplus last legislative session.

"I just think it’s wrong that they are withholding the money from the public schools, and I believe that they should give the money that is owed to the public schools from the governor," said Hernandez.

Why is Leander ISD making cuts?

What we know:

Leander ISD’s decision to cut positions, including more than 150 teachers, counselors, and administrative roles, comes as it tries to overcome a $34 million budget deficit.

"Leander is not alone," said Clay Robison, a spokesperson for the Texas State Teachers Association. "Many districts around the state are dealing with budget shortfalls, they’re cutting staff, they’re cutting programs, they are increasing class sizes because the governor and tax legislature did not adequately fund public education."

Robison worries the senate's decision to pass school vouchers on Wednesday could lead to more schools cutting jobs.

"If this voucher bill passes, it will make their finances worse," said Robison.

The law would allocate at least $10,000 a year in public tax money to families who want to send their children to private schools.

By 2030, it could cost the state $4.5 billion, but proponents argue it is worth every penny.

"Government-mandated schools cannot meet the unique needs of every student," said Governor Greg Abbott in his State of the State address. "But Texas can provide families with choices to meet those needs."

If school choice becomes law, Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing said the district could lose out on more state funding again.

"We get funded by average daily attendance, so any student that chooses not to attend school in Leander ISD means that we get less state funding," said Gearing.

State Rep John Bucy, whose district includes Leander, plans to vote against the bill.

"We’re going to fight it with every measure that we can," said Bucy. "After hearing about $34 million in cuts to Leander ISD in shortfall, we have 34 million more reasons to fight these vouchers."

FOX 7 Austin also reached out to state reps Terry Wilson and Caroline Harris Davila but did not hear back.

Some parents said they hope others will vote no, too.

"It's really not going to help," said Hernandez. "The people who can’t afford a private school anyway, it’s going to pretty much go to the parents who already are enrolling their kids in public school and just helping them out and taking funds away from public schools."

Leander ISD is working to find other jobs in the district for its employees whose jobs will no longer exist at the end of the school year.

Altogether, these cuts could save the district almost $17 million.

SB 2, the school voucher bill, could get its first House Committee hearing as soon as next week.