Eanes Is at a Crossroads—The Status Quo Is No Longer an Option
Eanes ISD is a district with a proud history—and a community that cares deeply about education. But the truth is, we are facing serious challenges that can no longer be brushed aside.
Since 2020, enrollment has steadily declined. Our US News & World Report rank has dropped by over 100. SAT scores have fallen nearly 100 points. Almost one in three third graders is not at grade level for math, and nearly one in there are not reading at grade level. And teacher turnover is around 20% - over double the national average.
At the same time, our district is running a $7 million deficit. We’ve closed a school, eliminated innovative programs like Spanish Immersion, and removed teacher planning time—moves that deliver only a fraction of their projected savings, yet directly impact the classroom.
These trends didn’t appear overnight. They are the result of years of delayed decisions, overly optimistic budgeting, and a lack of honest, upfront communication with the community. The numbers speak for themselves. And the status quo—the way we’ve been doing business—is simply not working.
Transparency Isn’t Optional. It’s the Foundation of Trust.
When decisions are made without input, when the public is told one version of the budget in June and a very different one in October, it erodes community trust. That must change.
We need leadership that values transparency—not just as a talking point, but as a daily practice. That means publishing multi-year budget forecasts, holding public workshops early in the process, and clearly showing how every dollar is spent. If 60 to 80 percent of our taxes are sent to the state under recapture, the community deserves to know where the rest goes—and why.
We Need Fiscal Responsibility with a Long-Term Vision
As a Chief Financial Officer, I’ve spent my career helping organizations navigate tough financial terrain. I know how to trim fat without cutting core services. I know how to negotiate smarter agreements, identify untapped revenue streams, and ensure every decision is sustainable—not just politically palatable.
Eanes didn’t get here because of one bad year. It got here because we kept doing more with less, assuming relief was just around the corner. Now, we’re out of time—and out of easy options.
But we’re not out of hope.
A Smarter Path Forward Is Possible
We can protect what matters most—our teachers, our classrooms, our community—by approaching our challenges with honesty, creativity, and collaboration. That means:
Cutting waste while preserving instruction
Renegotiating below-market contracts
Paying teachers market-rate salaries with merit rewards
Rebuilding trust through open, proactive communication
Engaging families and staff early—before the vote, not after
These are common-sense solutions. But they require a new kind of leadership—one that’s focused, fiscally skilled, and committed to serving the entire community, not just managing headlines.
We are a district of extraordinary potential. Let’s choose a path that honors that.
