Klein ISD Superintendent Bret Champion announced his resignation May 21. Champion's resignation will become effective July 1.

According to Champion's letter, which was subsequently posted on the KISD Facebook page, Champion is leaving KISD to take a leadership position with the Medford, Oregon, school district. In the letter, Champion said the decision, though difficult, comes following the recent college graduation of his two sons as well as a personal medical scare.

"This decision was not an easy one, as the Klein community is a wonderful place to live and learn, with strong people bringing our shared vision to life for students every day," Champion said in the letter. "Because of the remarkable people in Klein ISD, the district is in great hands, and I am confident that the wonderful work of ensuring that every student enters with a promise and exits with a purpose will continue."



Georgan Reitmeier, KISD board of trustees president, also wrote a letter on behalf of the board regarding Champion's resignation May 21.

"Our Superintendent, Bret Champion, has announced his resignation. We appreciate the great work for students accomplished during Dr. Champion's tenure and wish him and his new school district in Oregon continued success," Reitmeier said in the letter. "We must change our leader, but we remain fully committed to our shared vision and strategic direction."

In the letter, Reitmeier said the board was already beginning the process of searching for KISD's new superintendent in accordance with board policies and Texas law. The position will post internally May 22, and the board hopes to name a lone finalist in early June, Reitmeier said. A board meeting will be called once a decision is made.

"Texas law requires a 21-day waiting period before the new superintendent can be named, and we hope to be able to do so no later than July 1, 2019," Reitmeier said in the letter.

Champion has served as superintendent since 2016. The KISD board of trustees had just extended Champion's contract to Jan. 24, 2024, during the April 8, board meeting.

"My family and I will remain forever grateful to the Klein ISD family for sharing this outstanding district with us these past three years. It has been an honor to walk alongside you on this journey," Champion said in the letter.

To read more about Champion, click here.