FORT BEND, Texas – The Fort Bend Independent School District announced a finalist for its superintendent position following the abrupt retirement of Dr. Christie Whitbeck.
Superintendent Marc Smith, Ed.D has been named as the sole finalist.
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Smith is reportedly the current Superintendent of Schools in the Duncanville Independent School District.
KPRC 2 producers listened in on the meeting and said there were very few comments in the beginning, except a few questions on how the board decided on a candidate so quickly and when they had time to do a background check on said person.
The board went into a closed-door session almost immediately after that questioning at around 10:06 a.m.
Earlier this month, Whitbeck requested to retire.
The decision was approved by the Fort Bend ISD school board in a 4-1 vote.
Whitbeck said she was blindsided when she had a meeting with the board president who reportedly gave her an ultimatum -- opt for a voluntary retirement agreement or be terminated.
“Why I would have had the board president meet with me and tell me that she said you can opt for a voluntary retirement agreement or we’re going to pursue termination. And I’m like, ‘Well, termination for what?’ And there really is no cause for termination.” Whitbeck explained.
Last week, the Fort Bend ISD board announced that Beth Martinez, FBISD deputy superintendent, will serve as interim superintendent.
SEE ALSO: Fort Bend ISD board approves retirement of superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck