On December 9, 2025, the Eanes ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name Kirk Koennecke as the next superintendent of schools. He succeeded interim Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg, who stepped in to lead following the July retirement of former Superintendent Dr. Jeff Arnett.

Kirk most recently served as superintendent of the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds an Education Specialist degree from Wright State University; a Master of Arts in Education Administration from John Carroll University; a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Miami University (Ohio); and a Bachelor of Science in Education from The Ohio State University. When asked what drew him to the superintendent role in Eanes ISD, Kirk said, “There is a legacy of high-quality education and elite educators working with amazing families that is the strength of this community, and which is unique in Texas and the nation. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a team that models the best in public education to others.” 

Due to a number of factors, including issues with state funding and declining enrollment, the district faces a projected $5 million to $6 million budget shortfall for the 2026—2027 school year, making this role a challenging one to step into. When asked about the best way forward considering the financial challenges in the district, Kirk replied, “I look at opportunities no matter what the issues are, and plan ahead with teamwork in mind. The best way forward is always together. Communicating perceived challenges as future opportunities for change is the most complex thing about this role. People are impacted by every decision and doing what is best for children has to be at the heart of it all.”

Concerns have been raised about the impact that the district’s financial situation will have on teacher retention, especially if there are future staffing reductions or salary freezes. When asked how we can help retain quality teachers in Eanes while facing budget shortfalls, Kirk said, “I’ll learn more about the realities of that perception soon. Human resource work is always highly situational. Protecting children means surrounding them with high-quality people, regardless of the roles we fill. Creating an environment where children run into the buildings to learn is our goal!” 

Kirk and his wife, Susie, have five adult children - Stephanie, Kaitlyn, Kate, Grace, and Colin—and two grandchildren—Lucas and Alex—that they enjoy spending time with. They are also huge sports fans and love the performing arts, as well. “We like to get outdoors to find a beach or the water occasionally, too!” said Kirk. Fun facts about Kirk are that he is a first-generation American—his mother is Scottish and his father is German—and that he is the first in his family to earn a college degree. He also loves hockey and was a former player and coach. And, if the way to his heart is through his stomach, you wouldn’t be remiss in ordering him a pizza—his favorite food!

When asked how the community could best support Kirk in his new role as superintendent, he shared, “Open, honest dialogue helps me to learn how to help others. I believe clarity is kindness, and I presume good intent always. My job, simply put, is to develop other leaders, both children and adults. If I help out the right people in the right place to do the right work at the right time, we will continue a tradition of success for others, and build upon that foundation to do wonderful things for the children of Eanes.”