Fresh off the heels of a leadership shakeup, the Fort Bend Independent School District has officially passed the baton, approving Marc Smith's $410K contract to take over as superintendent. Smith, who previously helmed Duncanville ISD and spent a stretch in Fort Bend ISD as an executive principal and assistant superintendent, is stepping in after Christie Whitbeck's unexpected exit, the Houston Chronicle reported.
A hefty $40,000 more than his predecessor, Smith's new salary has certainly to quickly generate both excitement and contention. The sudden retirement of Whitbeck in December led swiftly to Smith's nomination, solidifying his new role this Monday following the state-required 21-day cooling-off period. "Thank you for your confidence, your faith and your trust," Smith said as per the district's Tuesday statement. "I am committed to upholding the high standards you have set for me. I look forward to locking arms with you and moving forward." In a dicey transition, interim superintendent Beth Martinez had temporarily taken the reins, pocketing a $100,000 stipend for her troubles on top of her regular salary, while Whitbeck departs with a $491,000 severance in tow, a list of district accomplishments during her tenure left behind as her bid adieu.
Smith, a Region 10 superintendent of the year back in 2020, has been handpicked by a board that fancies him a "familiar face," according to Board President Judy Dae's remarks in December. Houston Public Media notes his history with the district, spanning six years, presumably setting a foundational trust for the substantial reins now placed in his hands.
The board's decision was not unanimous, evidenced by Trustee Kristen Malone's vocal opposition which echoes in the halls of recent board meetings. Malone has alleged that her colleagues effectively forced Whitbeck out, going so far as to accuse them of skirting the Texas Open Meetings Act. She stayed silent on the story's request for comment. Allegations aside, Whitbeck has confirmed feeling "totally and completely blindsided" by the ultimatum leading to her resignation, in an interview obtained by Houston Chronicle. Smith, Fort Bend ISD's president-elect of growth and hope, is set to begin his tenure on January 22, as confirmed by the district's director of communications, Sherry Williams.
