FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — The Fort Bend Independent School District School Board approved the retirement of its superintendent on Monday night.
Dr. Christie Whitbeck took over the lead role at FBISD, one of the biggest school districts in Texas, in October 2021.
It's unclear if Whitbeck proposed her retirement or if it was offered to her.
Whitbeck's retirement will go into effect on Dec. 12 but she will remain with the district until June 30, 2024, to ensure the "smooth transition for the next superintendent."
"I am very proud of the work we have accomplished over the past few years," Whitbeck said. "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. We have worked diligently to reduce the budget, pass a major bond, pass a VATRE allowing much needed raises for teachers and staff and the ability to add security guards to our elementary schools. My favorite part of being Superintendent was visiting the campuses and seeing students learning and in their extracurricular activities. I was always their number one cheerleader. This helped me keep the ‘main thing the main thing’ and my heart focused on what mattered most – our students. A highlight for me was also shaking the hands of 6,300 very excited graduates as they crossed the stage each year."
The board approved FBISD Deputy Superintendent Beth Martinez as acting superintendent.
Here's the full statement issued by FBISD:
"During the Monday, December 4, 2023, board meeting my retirement will be voted on by the Board of Trustees.
"If approved, I will vacate my position as superintendent effective December 12th and assume the role of Superintendent Emeritus to ensure a smooth transition for the next superintendent. My emeritus term will conclude at the end of the spring 2024 semester.
"The board will also take action to appoint an interim superintendent.
"I know my retirement may be unexpected to many, as this announcement comes with a very heavy heart. I am proud of the unprecedented number of accomplishments we have achieved in Fort Bend ISD during my 2 ½ year tenure as superintendent. The most recent monumental achievements include eliminating the $47 million budget deficit, as well as passing the May 2023 bond election and the November 2023 VATRE election. These actions will ensure Fort Bend ISD has solid financial and physical infrastructure in place plus much needed raises for teachers and staff, along with the ability to add security guards at all of our elementary school campuses. We have also begun the process of creating a strategic plan for the district's future with Vision 2030.
"When I first arrived, working together we were able to reopen our campuses after COVID - allowing parents, mentors and volunteers back into schools where we saw increased levels of participation. FBISD's enrollment topped 80,000 for the first time in its history last spring, and this fall we opened two new elementary schools and a high school - all with inviting, 21st century spaces to learn, play and grow.
"No matter what the future brings, the students, staff, parents and community partners in Fort Bend ISD will always be near and dear to my heart.
"I am forever grateful for the progress and accomplishments we have been able to achieve during my time as FBISD Superintendent."