Eanes ISD announces cost-saving measures amid budget shortfall

Education
Webp valley view elementary school eanes isd
Valley View Elementary School | Wikimedia Commons

After months of deliberation and community engagement, the Eanes ISD Board of Trustees has decided to close Valley View Elementary starting with the 2025-26 school year. This decision is part of efforts to address a projected $3.3 million budget deficit in 2024-25 and an expected $6.3 million deficit in 2025-26, caused by declining student enrollment and stagnant state funding for public education.

During a board workshop on November 11, trustees directed the administration to explore cost-saving measures, including closing Valley View and consolidating it with Barton Creek Elementary. The district also plans to eliminate Professional Learning Community (PLC) periods for teachers of grades 6-12. Since then, staff have conducted research and shared reports online to maintain transparency.

Valley View has seen a decline in enrollment, with only 275 students currently attending, making it the least enrolled campus in the district. The closure is expected to save about $2 million through staffing efficiencies achieved via attrition.

"Since 1981, Valley View Elementary has been a place where students discovered themselves, staff poured their hearts into every moment and families built lifelong connections," said Dr. Jeff Arnett, Superintendent of Schools. "It’s unfortunate we are facing these challenges, but the reality of reduced public school funding and shifting demographics requires us to make decisions that are both complicated and emotional."

The board also voted to discontinue the Spanish Immersion (SI) program at all but one elementary school starting in the 2025-26 school year. SI students will transition to traditional classrooms. The district plans to retain SI teachers by integrating them into general education positions if they choose to remain. Ending the SI program is expected to save approximately $600,000 annually.

Additionally, Eanes ISD will eliminate PLC periods for academic staff at middle schools and high schools beginning in the 2025-26 school year. The Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department will work with campus leaders and staff on alternative strategies for teacher planning and collaboration. This measure is estimated to save another $2 million.

"While budget cuts and tough choices are not unique to Eanes ISD - more than 60% of school districts are projecting deficits next year - the impact feels deeply personal," said Board President James Spradley. "We remain committed to supporting our staff, students and families through these changes and helping them adjust and thrive."

The district will provide further details regarding the timeline for school consolidation, discontinuation of the SI program, and elimination of PLC periods in the coming weeks.