SUGAR LAND, Texas – The Fort Bend ISD school board voted to approve the retirement of superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck during a meeting on Monday evening.
Whitbeck will vacate her position as superintendent effective Dec. 11.
The board voted 4-1 to approve Whitbeck’s retirement.
Although she does not intend to depart from the district until June 30, 2024, she will remain as a “Superintendent Emeritus” where she will assist the Board of Trustees with the transition of leadership.
The Fort Bend ISD board announced that Beth Martinez, FBISD deputy superintendent, will serve as interim superintendent.
Dr. Whitbeck announced her retirement in a letter sent to parents and staff members on Friday.
“I know my retirement may be unexpected to many of you, as this announcement comes with a very heavy heart. I am proud of the unprecedented number of accomplishments I have achieved in partnership with you in Fort Bend ISD during my 2 ½ year tenure as your superintendent,” Whitbeck said.
In the letter, Whitbeck laid out some achievements she was proud of accomplishing during her term, such as eliminating the budget deficit, as well as passing the May 2023 bond election and the November 2023 VATRE election.
“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,” Whitbeck said.
She adds the students, staff, parents, and community partners in the district will always be near and dear to her.
“Words cannot express the breadth and depth of my gratitude to you for all the great things we have been able to achieve together during my tenure as your “Proud Supt!” she exclaimed.