The superintendent of the Douglas County School District, Liz Fagen, is taking the job as the new leader for the school district in Humble, Texas.
She will assume her new role for the 2016-17 school year.
“I am proud of all that we have accomplished over the past six years together," Fagen said in a statement.
School board President Meghann Silverthorn is hopeful the district will find a new superintendent who can work well with the district's deeply divided school board. In an interview, Silverthorn dispelled rumors that Fagen was pressured to leave.
"Dr. Fagen’s choice to move one was something that she chose to do that was best for her and her career," Silverthorn said.
Among the more controversial initiatives Fagen oversaw were a new teacher-evaluation system and market-based pay salary structure. The district also has legal challenges around a private school voucher plan.
The Douglas County Federation of Teachers said in a statement the move is a step towards reclaiming public education in Douglas County.A group called Douglas County Parents called for significant, substantial community and staff input while searching for a new superintendent.
Silverthorn says an interim superintendent must be in place before Fagen leaves between July 1 and July 15.
