The deadline to apply for the district superintendent position was Oct. 24. A finalist will begin their tenure this December.
Dr. Jeff Arnett retired July 31 after three years in the position and a previous six years as deputy superintendent. During his tenure, the district passed a 2023 bond which allowed for the expansion of the school’s alternative learning center and a solar energy project. Arnett also oversaw the creation of the first Eanes ISD Police Department, which ensures that one armed officer is present on each campus.
“He was exceptional in his ability to connect with our community,” parent and Eanes Education Foundation director Jennifer Blackman said. “He communicated clearly and kindly, and he demonstrated through his actions authentic care for the wellbeing of our school district and all of its stakeholders.”
Candidate interviews begin this week, followed by two more rounds in the first and second weeks of November. The board plans to name a finalist by Nov. 18. But, if they come to a decision sooner, they could name one Nov. 11, which is the last day of interviews.
The district collaborated with JG Consulting to host a Superintendent Search Townhall Meeting Sep. 25, where several parents and a couple of students contributed their thoughts on the district and its next superintendent.
“I think it’s important that whatever decision is made, the impact on the students is the defining factor,” parent and alumnus Lisa Bell said.
This is JG Consulting’s 68th superintendent search. Over 11 years, CEO and founder James Guerra has found that districts are generally able to find a majority of their desired characteristics in a final candidate.
“A visionary leader, an excellent communicator, somebody who has the ability to defend and make difficult decisions,” Guerra said. “Those are pretty consistent attributes and qualities that we see, … so those should be, in my opinion, somewhat non-negotiable.”
At a Sep. 30 special meeting, Guerra then presented to the board of trustees “a comprehensive overview of everything we’ve heard from different stakeholders” in his consulting firm’s Superintendent Search Summary Report and Leadership Profile. Guerra and board members then collaborated live at the meeting to make wording edits to and finalize both documents.
Some commonly mentioned concerns for the district at the town hall meeting and board meeting included the district’s $3 million budget deficit this year, as well as teacher retention rates, community closeness and facility refurbishment.
Budget concerns are particularly relevant following last year’s blending of two elementary schools, discontinuation of Spanish Immersion and removal of teacher’s Professional Learning Communities period.
Despite these budget concerns, several community members feel that improving campus facilities should be a priority for the next superintendent. In fact, the district’s 2023 bond package includes campus projects, student programs and new facilities.
“[New facilities] seem unattainable at this time, but I disagree,” parent, architect and artist Julia Webber said. “I think they are the very thing that will unite our community.”
The most recent board meeting was Oct. 21, where members discussed these prominent issues in finances and facility enhancements.
In less than a week, the first round of interviews for superintendent candidates will start. The high expectations of parents, faculty, students and other community members for the district have been a key guiding factor in this superintendent search.
“Eanes ISD is a top 10 school district in this country,” Blackman said. “I don’t want us to get complacent.”
