Eanes Superintendent Arnett Announces July Retirement

Eanes school district Superintendent Jeff Arnett announced Monday he'll retire on July 31, after three years leading the West Austin district.

Arnett will leave the 7,700-student district to join the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, in Cooperstown, N.Y., where he has previously worked, according to an announcement from the district.

Arnett has been with the Eanes district for nine years and formerly was a deputy superintendent before he became superintendent in 2022. He was given a contract extension in March.

In a statement, he said the decision to leave was an emotional one.

"Although the Board graciously extended my contract, I believe this is the right time for fresh ideas and new energy to lead the district forward," Arnett said. "It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve this exceptional community."

As superintendent, Arnett oversaw the passage of a $131.4 million 2023 bond and the creation of the district's first comprehensive Police Department. The district, like many others in Central Texas, is also facing decisions about how to manage its $3.3 million deficit and last year decided to close an elementary school, in part, because of low enrollment.

Before joining Eanes, Arnett was a teacher and worked in communications roles in various Midwestern school districts.

The Eanes school board is scheduled to meet Tuesday to discuss the search process for a new superintendent.