'This is one of the most important actions we can take as a board': Eanes ISD announces superintendent finalist

Education
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The Eanes ISD Board of Trustees announces Dr. Jeff Arnett as the lone finalist for the position of superintendent of schools. | Pixabay

The Eanes Independent School District named Dr. Jeff Arnett as its lone superintendent finalist.

"The #EanesBoard unanimously named Dr. Jeff Arnett as its lone finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools to succeed retiring Superintendent Dr. Tom Leonard. Dr. Arnett has served as Eanes ISD's deputy superintendent since 2016," tweeted Eanes ISD.

While making the announcement, Eanes Board President John Havenstrite thanked the community for its input.

"As I've shared from the beginning of this process, this is one of the most important actions we can take as a board. 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," Havenstrite said.

Before Arnett was named as the lone finalist, he was interviewed by the board on Jan. 14 and Jan. 18.

"We are grateful for our unique position," Havenstrite said. "We have someone who knows our students, our staff, our parents and our community. We have someone whose leadership characteristics align with the wants and needs identified by our community. And we have, in Dr. Arnett, one of the most sought-after superintendent candidates in the country."

Arnett currently serves as the district's deputy superintendent, a position he has held since 2016. Part of his job responsibilities includes overseeing district leadership, operations and committees.

If hired by the district's school board, Arnett will succeed his boss, the retiring Dr. Tom Leonard. 

"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."

Arnett came to EISD from Barrington 220 in Illinois, where he was an assistant superintendent and chief communications officer.