From the cover
New Fort Bend ISD superintendent begins term
The background
Two-minute impact
Dae said in an email the board was looking to put the change in leadership behind it, and indi- cated no further comment would be forthcoming from the board regarding the situation. “Because Dr. Whitbeck’s resignation is a personnel matter, the board cannot comment on the reasons for her resignation,” Dae said. “Many community members asked the board to release Dr. Whitbeck’s evaluation from June; however, because Dr. Whitbeck’s evaluation is confidential, the board cannot release it.” Dae explained that Whitbeck was not barred from releasing her evaluation to the public.
tax rate election] passed, and I was blindsided. I was completely and totally blindsided,” Whitbeck said at the Dec. 4 meeting. Meanwhile, Dae and other board members have said they believe it’s time for the district to move forward under Smith’s new leadership. “Dr. Smith is coming home to Fort Bend ISD, and we look forward to a bright future for our district,” Dae said. “I am asking the FBISD community to put our full support behind Dr. Smith and move the district forward for the best interest of our students.” Smith previously served for six years in FBISD as an executive principal and assistant superintendent from 2006-12. Community Impact submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to FBISD for electronic communication regarding Whitbeck's retirement and Smith’s hiring; however, district officials said on Jan. 31 they believed the information may be exempt from disclosure and requested an opinion from the attorney general’s office.
The FBISD board of trustees voted Dec. 4 to accept Whitbeck’s retirement and approved a severance package of $491,000, which is funded by property taxes. Smith was appointed to replace Whitbeck by the board Jan. 8. He was runner-up to Whitbeck in 2021, the last time the superintendent position was filled, board President Judy Dae said in emailed responses to questions. The board declined to comment on why Whitbeck was asked to retire and why they hired Smith so quickly, even though initially FBISD Deputy Superintendent Beth Martinez was named acting superintendent for the rest of the 2023-24 school year until the board hired a new candidate. Whitbeck has declined to publicly announce any details about the move other than to say she was “blindsided” by the sudden action by the board, particularly since she was given a contract extension and a raise in salary in July. “So when I was talked to about this [stepping down] it was 19 hours after our [voter-approval
Tracking a leadership change
Sept. 16, 2021 Whitbeck is appointed superintendent of FBISD.
Oct. 6, 2021 Whitbeck starts her tenure.
Nov. 8, 2022 Voters deny a VATRE at the polls.
Dec. 15, 2023 Smith is named by the board as the lone finalist. Jan. 8, 2024 Smith is named superintendent following a state-mandated 21-day waiting period. Whitbeck serves her last day and moves into a superintendent emeritus position. Officials say she’ll assist with the transition. Dec. 12, 2023 FBISD posts the superintendent position, saying it’ll remain open until Jan. 2. Dec. 1, 2023 Whitbeck announces her retirement in a letter to district staff. Dec. 4, 2023 The board accepts her retirement. Deputy Superintendent Beth Martinez is named acting superintendent. Dec. 11, 2023 May 6, 2023 Voters approve a $1.26B bond proposal. July 2023 Whitbeck’s contract is extended two years; she receives a $7,000 annual raise. Nov. 7, 2023 Voters approve the district’s second bid at a VATRE, raising tax rates for residents.
Hiring differences Smith’s hiring went quicker compared to when FBISD hired Whitbeck in 2021. Community Impact requested information from FBISD for the “not applicable” items, but answers weren’t returned by press time.
Time between former superintendent’s last day and lone finalist announcement
Search firm hired
Interview days
Number of applicants
Process
Whitbeck’s hiring Smith’s hiring
7 days
N/A
87 days
N/A
12
4 days
SOURCES: FORT BEND ISD, COMMUNITY IMPACT’S PREVIOUS REPORTING/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Getting to know Marc Smith
Career highlights
Education
Bachelor’s: Texas Southern University, human performance Master’s: Prairie View A&M University, administration and supervision Doctorate: University of Houston, administration and supervision
2016-23: Superintendent of Duncanville ISD • 11,946 students enrolled in 2023-24 school year
2012-16: Superintendent of Marshall ISD • 5,070 enrolled in 2023-24 school year
Accomplishments
2006-12: Executive principal and assistant superintendent of FBISD
Jan. 22, 2024 Smith begins his tenure.
Named 2020 Superintendent of the Year, Region 10
SOURCES: FORT BEND ISD, DUNCANVILLE ISD, MARSHALL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: FORT BEND ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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