Introduction to the Case
A district court judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by former Fort Bend ISD superintendent Christie Whitbeck against the school district. The lawsuit was filed in December 2023, a year after Whitbeck was forced out of her role. She had sued three Fort Bend ISD trustees for defamation and breach of contract, and the district for breach of contract.
Background of the Lawsuit
Whitbeck announced her early retirement in late 2023. At the time, Judy Dae, the Fort Bend ISD board president, had offered her a choice: Whitbeck could privately negotiate a retirement agreement or face a public vote from trustees on whether to fire her. As part of the retirement agreement, the school district trustees agreed to pay Whitbeck’s salary as superintendent emeritus through July 2024. Fort Bend ISD also paid about $320,000 to her retirement accounts and issued a joint payment of $32,607.92 to Whitbeck and an attorney.
Allegations and Claims
The former superintendent alleged that trustees Sonya Jones and David Hamilton, along with Dae and the school district, violated her contract by making "disparaging" public remarks about her retirement. Whitbeck dropped her defamation claims against the trustees in January. Court records show she also dropped her breach of contract claims against Dae, Jones, and Hamilton in April. Dae and Hamilton are no longer on the school board, while Jones continues to serve on the board.
Outcome of the Lawsuit
Whitbeck’s lawsuit against Fort Bend ISD was dismissed with prejudice, meaning she cannot sue the district again over the same claims. The former superintendent’s attorney, Chris Tritico, was not immediately available for comment. Current Fort Bend ISD board president Kristin Tassin praised the lawsuit’s dismissal in a statement. "We are grateful for the district court’s decision,” she said. “It is unfortunate that Dr. Whitbeck chose to pursue a meritless lawsuit that subjected taxpayers to needless and costly litigation."
Conclusion
The dismissal of the lawsuit brings an end to a long and costly legal battle between Whitbeck and the school district. The outcome is a victory for the district, which had maintained that the lawsuit was without merit. The case highlights the complexities and challenges of contract disputes and the importance of careful negotiation and agreement. As the school district moves forward, it is likely to focus on its core mission of providing education and services to its students, rather than being bogged down in costly litigation.
