Eanes ISD announces lone superintendent finalist 

Eanes ISD Deputy Superintendent Jeff Arnett was named the lone finalist for superintendent in EISD at the Jan. 25 board of trustees meeting.

Arnett has served as the deputy superintendent of EISD since 2016 and has overseen operations of the District Leadership Team and Envision Eanes advisory committee, both of which are aimed at exploring how the district can improve. He has several years of experience in public education and holds a doctorate in educational leadership along with master's degrees in education and corporate communications, according to a press release from the district.

“As I’ve shared from the beginning of this process, this is one of the most important actions we can take as a board,” board President John Havenstrite said. “We are grateful for the unique position we are in because we have someone who knows our district and our community and happens to be one of the strongest superintendent candidates in the country.”

The search for a new superintendent began in October, following an announcement from Superintendent Tom Leonard that he planned to retire by the time his contract expires in 2023. The search firm Thompson & Horton LLP was hired in October to oversee the search and gathered feedback from community-wide surveys and focus groups throughout December to determine what qualities were desired in the new superintendent.

The board interviewed Arnett on Jan. 14 and Jan. 18 prior to naming him as a finalist. Arnett began his career in public education in Missouri for various school districts as a director of communications, director of school and community relations, and as a classroom teacher, according to a press release from EISD. He then served as the director of communications, education and public programs for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. Prior to joining EISD, he spent eight years in a suburban school district outside of Chicago as assistant superintendent of operations and outreach as well as chief communications officer.

“I am incredibly excited for our community and Jeff,” Leonard said. “Having worked with Jeff for many years, across two states, I cannot think of a better match for Eanes ISD. I am confident the district will rise to new heights under his leadership.”

The board is expected to vote on the final selection for superintendent at its Feb. 22 board meeting in accordance with state law, which requires 21 days to pass after the announcement of a finalist before the board can enter into a contract with the candidate, according to a press release from the district.