HOUSTON – Parents of students in Humble Independent School District are expressing serious concerns about the district's choice for a new superintendent. More than 1,600 people have signed a petition asking the school board to reconsider.
Last night the Humble ISD School Board announced it planned to hire Dr. Elizabeth Fagen to replace Dr. Guy Sconzo.
Parents from Fagen's current district in Douglas County, Colorado, flooded the Humble ISD Facebook page Tuesday night with negative comments about her tenure.
"So many people from where she's coming from felt the need to warn us," said parent Mia Hoyt.
Several other parents said they found the hundreds of posts alarming.
"When there's so much negativity about a person, it's our obligation to ask questions," said parent Heather Penning.
Fagen's six years with the Douglas County Schools were filled with controversy over initiatives she led, such as a new teacher evaluation system and market-based pay structure. Fagen and the Douglas County School Board also backed an unpopular move to create a voucher system that is now facing legal challenges.
And a Douglas County parents group says the teacher turnover rate nearly doubled under Fagen.
In a statement, the Humble ISD board wrote:
"We are aware of the posts from Colorado on our district's social media page last night and today. We have reviewed the posts, and we want you to know that none of the comments posted were a surprise to us, as we have done extensive research on all seven of our superintendent candidates, including Dr. Liz Fagen."
Parents told Channel 2 more consideration needs to be given to Fagen's track record.
"Why did the school district, if they knew all of that, why did they choose her? Why did we not hear about (the) other two? Why (are we) only getting (the) name of (the) lone finalist? Why is she on her third school district in eight years?" Penning asked.
Parents say they will be out in force at the June 14 school board meeting where Fagen is expected to be formally approved.