FORT WORTH, Texas — Fort Worth ISD superintendent Dr. Kent Scribner announced on Thursday that he is stepping down from his position when his current contract is up.
Scribner tweeted Thursday that he informed the FWISD Board of Trustees last month of his plans. His contract officially expires on Aug. 31, 2024.
Scribner has led the district since 2015.
FWISD serves about 76,000 students and stands as one of the largest in the state.
Scribner said the FWISD board will discuss his retirement and the search process for a replacement superintendent at its next board meeting on Tuesday.
"The Fort Worth school-community deserves a thoughtful superintendent transition process -- so infrequent in large urban districts," Scribner tweeted. "I bring this news to you now to provide the Board with sufficient time to conduct a search for a new superintendent."
On Wednesday, Dallas ISD superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa also announced his intentions to step down from his post. In December, Richardson ISD superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone also abruptly resigned from her role.
Fort Worth ISD, like other districts in North Texas, has dealt with various challenges surrounding the pandemic in the last two years -- including the digital divide, learning loss and the battle between parents, school leaders and government officials over mask mandates.
In August, Fort Worth ISD was requiring face masks, but soon became involved in lawsuits as a district court ruling blocked the district from enforcing the mask requirement.
Debate over the possible teaching of critical race theory has also been a hot-button issue in Fort Worth in recent months, with opponents of the notion openly calling for Scribner to step down from his role.