What It Means to Serve on the Eanes ISD School Board — Now
Serving on the Eanes ISD school board has always been a role of stewardship. But serving now—at this moment in our district’s history—requires a different mindset, a different set of skills, and a different kind of leadership. What got us here won’t get us there.
For decades, Eanes thrived on a formula built during times of growth and stability: exceptional educators, engaged families, and a community willing to invest in its schools. We’ve celebrated high rankings, 99% graduation rates, and packed auditoriums showcasing student talent. During these "good times," the qualities most valued in board leadership were continuity, supportiveness, and staying the course.
But the landscape has changed—and so must the board.
The New Reality: A District Under Pressure
Since 2020, Eanes has seen:
Declining enrollment – with fewer students each year, funding tied to attendance has dropped.
Increased financial strain – with a $7 million budget deficit, even after closing a school and cutting programs.
Teacher attrition – double the national average – leaving us with an inexperienced workforce.
Falling national rankings and test scores – once unthinkable in a district like ours.
To make matters worse, the state recapture program continues to siphon away 50–80% of our local tax dollars. And future threats—like tax compression and underfunded mandates—could shrink our revenue even further.
What Leadership Meant Then vs. Now
Then, board service was about:
Supporting existing systems
Celebrating excellence
Making incremental improvements
Now, board service demands:
Financial discipline to reverse deficits without damaging instruction
Strategic thinking to anticipate future revenue threats
Transparent decision-making to rebuild public trust
Courageous leadership to make difficult choices that protect our long-term health
This shift is like moving from sailing a boat in calm waters to steering through a storm. In calm waters, it’s enough to keep the course steady. In a storm, you need someone at the helm who understands the mechanics, sees the danger ahead, and has the judgment to act decisively.
The Qualities That Matter Most — Now
Financial Acumen: Understanding budgets, contracts, and how to stretch every dollar wisely is not optional.
Foresight: Today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s outcomes. We need board members who think in years, not months.
Crisis Management: Calm, focused, data-driven leadership is essential in moments of high stakes.
Transparency: The community must be brought into the process—not just informed after decisions are made.
Collaboration and Independence: Trustees must work as a team but also ask hard questions and challenge assumptions.
What it Means for Our Future
Our district is still filled with exceptional students, teachers, and families. Excellence, though, is not guaranteed—it must be actively preserved. The role of the board is no longer to simply sustain. It is to adapt, lead, and rebuild trust.
What got us here won’t get us there.
We need leaders who are equipped for the challenges of now. Leaders who know the numbers, respect the community, and are ready to make clear-eyed, courageous decisions that put students first.
Want to learn more about what I believe this role requires? Visit catherinewalkerforeanes.com for more insights.
