Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Dr. Charles Dupre announces intention to resign

Big changes happening at Fort Bend ISD as the superintendent formally announced his resignation in Monday night's school board meeting.

The school board is made up of seven members, and three lost re-election. Superintendent Dr. Charles Dupre says that was one of the reasons he decided to look at stepping down.

Dr. Dupre joined Fort Bend ISD as an internal auditor in April 1995 and returned to Fort Bend ISD in 2013 after serving in Pflugerville ISD for seven years.

He served as superintendent for more than seven years.

“I have watched it changed dramatically over 26 years. I also know that there is a big broad world out there. I could maybe be a superintendent somewhere else. Maybe I could go into my own business. Maybe higher education at the university level. I just think there is many doors that could be open, and I just want to start exploring what could be behind each of those doors,” said Dr. Dupre.

He says he plans to step down by December of 2021. If an opportunity for him arises before that for him, he might leave sooner. He says he wanted to announce his resignation so board members would have an opportunity to select the best leader to work with them.

Dr. Dupre says the board should select a superintendent by the middle of next year.

“I have intentionally timed this announcement to align with the pending transition on the Board because the Board of Trustees and District will be in a period of transition for a season. I am sharing this news now so that the newly-formed Board will have the opportunity to select a leader to partner with them as a member of a new Team of Eight,” said Dr. Dupre.

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When asked about the pandemic and changed for the new school year, he says it hasn’t been easy.

“I would be hard-pressed to say everything is going great, which is my usual optimistic attitude. The reality is, it is a day-to-day struggle. I am constantly encouraging folks to keep a positive attitude, to do their best that they can, and just keep putting kids first at the best of their ability.”

During Monday night’s board meeting, staff recognized three retiring trustees, and newly-elected trustees were sworn in to begin a three-year term. The Board will also elect new officers.  

“The district has come a long way since Dr. Dupre returned to us eight years ago. Dr. Dupre’s integrity, student-focused approach, and commitment to excellence have propelled our district to new heights, becoming recognized as one of the most successful in the state,” Jason Burdine, FBISD Board President, said in a release. “FBISD is stronger than ever. Dr. Dupre’s commitment to systems improvement has laid the groundwork for our district’s continued success. I want to thank Dr. Dupre for agreeing to remain with the district while the board begins the important work of finding the district’s next leader. On a personal level, I will be sad to see him leave our district. But I am very happy for Dr. Dupre and his wife Seeju and wish them every happiness as they explore the next chapter of their life.”

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According to the district, Dr. Dupree contacted each trustee on Friday about his plans to continue leading the district during the search for a new superintendent.

The timeline and approach that will be used in the search for a new superintendent will be discussed further at an upcoming board meeting.