BY DAVE MANNING
What they’re saying
The other side
What’s next
Throughout the hiring process, board members have clashed, and trustee Kristen Malone raised concerns about the hiring process, employment contracts and the financial burden to the district. Malone, who is a vocal supporter of Whitbeck, said she wasn’t given much time to interview Smith or review his contract—claims other board members and Dae refuted. Contracts show Smith’s salary is higher than his predecessor.
The district has not announced any media or community events introducing Smith as the new superintendent, FBISD Director of Strategic Communications Sherry Williams said. Dexter McCoy, Fort Bend County Precinct 4 commissioner, spoke out against the district’s hiring process at the Jan. 8 meeting. He said the 21-day waiting period was during winter break, discouraging feedback. “That 21-day waiting period is meant for those who support the candidate to be able to talk about why and for the community to get educated on what strengths they bring to the table, as well as those who might have concerns to be able to express those concerns,” McCoy said. FBISD’s next board meeting is Feb. 26.
“I do not appreciate how this board has handled this situation. ... I had been asking for [Smith’s] resume; I
had been asking about interviews, and I had not been privy to that information.” KRISTEN MALONE, TRUSTEE
Comparing contracts Whitbeck’s original annual salary
“There’s nothing nefarious going on, despite what some may say; it’s just not true.” RICK GARCIA, TRUSTEE
$370,000
Whitbeck’s annual salary following July raise
$377,000
Whitbeck’s severance pay
$491,000
Smith’s annual salary
$410,000
SOURCE: FORT BEND ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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