On October 19, 2021, Eanes Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Tom Leonard announced his plan to retire. The Eanes ISD Board is launching the search process immediately, with the goal to have the next superintendent in place prior to the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.
Leonard joined Eanes ISD in 2014.
“Privately, I contemplated retiring two years ago, but then came a pandemic like we have never seen before, and I wanted to maintain as much stability in our school system as possible,” said Leonard. “My goal was – and remains – to allow the next superintendent the opportunity to take over after the pandemic to the extent possible. As the board undergoes the search process, my objective will be to stay focused and work diligently on the tasks that lie ahead.”
Under Leonard’s leadership, Eanes has boasted the highest level of academic performance in the District’s history, Eanes officials say. Eanes added new programs in entrepreneurship through the Westlake Business Incubator at Westlake High School and created a Spanish Immersion program at the elementary level.
“As a community, we have truly accomplished a lot in the past eight years, and I am proud to have played a small part,” addedLeonard. “We have much to be proud of, and I remind our students to never, never, never forget how amazing Eanes ISD is. I certainly won’t.”
The Board will convene in a Special Meeting on Monday, October 25, 2021 to evaluate and potentially select a search firm to assist with the transition, as the current Fall-Winter window will provide the District the best access to the finest candidates.
“We are in an amazing position of strength as a district, thanks to Dr. Leonard’s leadership and the commitment of our students, staff, and community,” said Board President John Havenstrite. “When Dr. Leonard retires, he will leave us better than when he arrived. Our community has very high expectations. Our students are thriving, but we have big shoes to fill, and we must collaboratively move forward for the betterment of our district.”
