FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — The Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved Dr. Marc Smith as the sole finalist for the district's search for a new superintendent Friday morning.
The announcement sparked debate on the board as Trustee Kristen Davison Malone demanded answers from the rest of the board as to how the hiring process took place. She said despite having attended all but one closed-session board meeting, she was not privy to the details of the search process.
Malone's line of questioning was largely directed at board President Judy Dae. Dae claimed Malone was invited to participate in the search process. Malone refuted that, saying she had gone through her records and found no such invite.
"I don't believe the process has been transparent," Malone told reporters.
Despite the debate, Malone ultimately voiced her support that Smith was the right man for the job.
"Reviewing the resume and speaking with him and asking him my major concerns for Fort Bend on where we’re going, he hit the nail on the head on everything," Malone said. Malone added that Dr. Smith intends to be very communicative to all families, and wants to use data-driven education and analytics to guide decisions at each campus.
Smith is no stranger to Fort Bend ISD, having served as assistant superintendent in the district from 2007 to 2012, among other roles.
"Fort Bend ISD has played such an instrumental role in my development as a leader and in my journey as being a superintendent in a couple of different districts now," Smith said. "I'm excited to be able to come back and serve."
He's previously served as superintendent to Marshall ISD and Duncanville ISD.
Dae did not share how many candidates applied for the job, which was posted on Dec. 5.
"I think what we’re doing is the best for the district, and I do believe Dr. Smith is the perfect person to lead the district, and I’m asking for the community to support Dr. Smith and to support our district for the best interest of our kids, teachers and the staff," Dae said after the meeting.
The vote comes just under two weeks after the board voted to approve previous Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck's retirement on December 4. Her retirement officially took effect on December 12. She will be paid over $350,000 in severance and unused vacation pay, according to the voluntary retirement agreement provided by the district.
Dae wouldn't comment on Dr. Whitbeck's retirement calling it a personnel matter.
Whitbeck said she intends to stay with the district as superintendent emeritus until June 30, 2024, to ensure a "smooth transition for the next superintendent." The district appointed Deputy Superintendent Beth Martinez as acting superintendent during the hiring process.
"I am very proud of the work we have accomplished over the past few years," Whitbeck said when she retired. "I am most proud of working to help our district develop more of a culture of kindness and caring. The progress we have made is very evident as I visit campuses."
Whitbeck took over the lead role at the district in October 2021.