Eanes ISD board votes to close school to help relieve budget deficit
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday night, the Eanes Independent School District Board of Trustees passed a resolution to close down Valley View Elementary in the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, according to a press release from the district.
Eanes ISD said the decision was part of a broader effort to help address a projected $3.3 million budget deficit in 2024-2025, that deficit will grow to $6.3 million in 2025-2026. The district cited this was due to a decline in student enrollment and a lack of funding from the state for public education.
The district said during a board workshop in November the trustees directed the administration to explore several cost-saving measures that included closing Valley View Elementary and consolidating it with Barton Creek Elementary.
Eanes ISD said Valley View Elementary experienced a sharp decline in enrollment, with currently having 275 total students enrolled. The closure is expected to save the district a total of $2 million.
“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 district said it also voted to discontinue its Spanish immersion program, which was offered at all but one elementary school. It also eliminated the PLC period for academic staff at middle schools and high schools, beginning next school year.
Eanes ISD said without increased public school funding from the upcoming Texas Legislative Session, the budget deficit is likely to grow.
“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 said it will provide an update in the coming weeks regarding the school consolidation, the discontinuation of the SI program and the elimination of PLC periods.