On December 9, the Eanes Independent School District Board of Trustees officially named Kirk Koennecke as its next Superintendent, marking the culmination of a thoughtful, community-driven search process and the beginning of a new chapter for one of Texas’s most respected school districts.
JG Consulting was honored to partner with Eanes ISD on a nationwide superintendent search grounded in stakeholder voice, rigorous evaluation, and a shared commitment to educational excellence. The process included extensive community engagement, a national recruitment effort, and the careful review of 35 applicants, followed by a comprehensive, multi-stage interview process. At its conclusion, the Board selected Mr. Koennecke as the lone finalist — a decision that reflects both the district’s priorities and its confidence in his leadership.
Mr. Koennecke brings three decades of experience in public education, having served students and school communities at every level of the system. His career spans roles as a teacher, coach, advisor, union representative, assistant principal, athletic director, principal, and superintendent. He is completing his tenth year as a superintendent, with prior leadership in Indian Hill Exempted Village School District and Graham Local School District in Ohio. In recognition of his impact and leadership, Koennecke was named the National Association of School Superintendents (NASS) National Superintendent of the Year in 2023.
Beyond his district leadership, Koennecke is deeply committed to the profession. He serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati and volunteers as a trustee on several governance boards, including the Ohio State University College of Education Alumni Board. His academic background includes an Education Specialist degree from Wright State University, master’s degrees from John Carroll University and Miami University of Ohio, and a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.
Eanes ISD Board President Kim McMath emphasized the strength of the process and the Board’s confidence in its selection:
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am excited to welcome Mr. Kirk Koennecke and his wife, Susie, to the Eanes community. Mr. Koennecke was chosen as the lone finalist for the next superintendent from a strong group of candidates and he will bring his enthusiasm, expertise and experience to Eanes ISD. The Board of Trustees looks forward to working with Mr. Koennecke for the benefit of our students and staff.”
Mr. Koennecke succeeds Dr. Jeff Arnett, who retired in July after years of dedicated service to the district. As he steps into this role, Koennecke has expressed both gratitude for the community’s engagement in the search and excitement about the work ahead — collaborating with students, staff, families, and the Board around a shared vision for excellence.
For JG Consulting, this placement reflects the power of a well-designed search process that centers community voice, aligns leadership with district values, and supports Boards in making informed, confident decisions. We are proud to have supported Eanes ISD through this important transition and look forward to seeing the district continue to thrive under Mr. Koennecke’s leadership.
James Guerra
President/CEO
