Fort Bend Independent School District Superintendent Charles Dupre intends to resign effective December 2021, after seven years at the helm of the large suburban district.
“My wife, Seeju, and I are in the season of life where our children are grown, and we are ready to pursue new adventures and opportunities," Dupre wrote in an email to staff Monday. "We have devoted a total of 19 years of service to the FBISD community, and each day has been fulfilling and meaningful. And my heart tells me it is time for a change.”
Dupre’s resignation comes just a few weeks after the Fort Bend school board voted to extend his current contract for an extra year, through April 2024.
Dupre joined Fort Bend as its top administrator in 2013 after serving in Pflugerville ISD for seven years. During that time, he’s been recognized in the region and statewide for his leadership, he’s navigated Hurricane Harvey and the pandemic for Fort Bend’s 71,000 students and has developed a new strategic framework for the district with the school board.
Fort Bend ISD has also had to address the discovery of the mass grave of 95 Black laborers on school district property that was once the site of the Imperial State Prison Farm. And it's dealt with a U.S. Department of Education investigation that found the district was disproportionately disciplining Black students.
Dupre intends to announce his decision to the Fort Bend school board at its meeting Monday.
At the same meeting, three new trustees will join the board, which Dupre told staff factored into the timing of his decision.
“The superintendent search process takes a great deal of time, so I am providing the Board notice now to enable them to develop their strategy and timeline. Once that is known, I will work with the Board to establish my formal separation from the District,” read a statement from Dupre. “Although change is coming, I remain committed to supporting staff and the Board of Trustees as we continue our efforts to serve students.”