Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Charles Dupre plans to resign by December 2021, according to a Nov. 16 press release from the district.

Dupre first joined FBISD as an internal auditor in 1995 and returned to the district in April 2013 as superintendent, according to the release.

“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 a message to FBISD staff. "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 will announce his intention to resign at the Nov. 16 board of trustees meeting. During that board of trustees meeting, the newly elected trustees will also be sworn in and begin their three-year terms.

“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," Dupre said in the release. "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.”

While Dupre's resignation will take place sometime during 2021, he said in the release that he will continue to lead the district as they begin the search for a new superintendent.

“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," Dupre said. "Once that is known, I will work with the board to establish my formal separation from the district. Although change is coming, I remain committed to supporting staff and the board of trustees as we continue our efforts to serve students. I will also stand in firm support of the new board as they focus on team building, organizational governance, launching the search for a new superintendent, and adopting a budget for the 2020-21 school year during a pandemic and economic crisis.”

Jason Burdine, the current board president and an outgoing trustee, said in the release that the district has reached "new heights" thanks to Dupre's integrity, student-focused approach and commitment to excellence.

“FBISD is stronger than ever,” Burdine said. “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.”