FAQs
Over the course of her career, Dr. Christie Whitbeck-Lazenby has received many questions about her leadership, philosophy, and recent chapters in education. This page is designed to provide clarity and transparency, reduce the need for repetitive email responses, and allow her to move forward in her new role with honesty and purpose.
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In June 2025, Christie was appointed as the first Executive Director of the Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE). In this role, she leads statewide efforts to mentor and support women leaders, expand professional development, and shape the future of educational leadership. She also serves as an Executive Success Partner with Region 4 Education Service Center, where she supports current and aspiring educational leaders through coaching, mentorship, and the sharing of her decades of experience in Texas public schools.
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Christie’s faith provides the foundation for her leadership. It has guided her through personal loss and professional challenges, shaping her belief in resilience and what she calls “post-traumatic growth.” Her philosophy emphasizes compassion, authenticity, and leaving every community better than she found it.
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After decades in public education leadership, Christie brings her experience to a broader audience through consulting, coaching, and speaking. Her mission is to help leaders embrace authentic leadership, equity, and innovation while navigating today’s challenges.
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Her Lead By… framework captures the heart of her leadership philosophy: listening first, lifting others up, loving the work, letting others shine, staying focused on students and schools, looking beyond the obvious, remaining grounded in the job at hand, and leaving every place better than she found it. Rooted in authenticity, resilience, faith, and a deep belief in bringing out the best in others, the framework reflects Christie’s journey from the classroom to the superintendent’s office and now to mentoring, coaching, and supporting leaders across Texas and beyond. You can read more on her Leadership Philosophy page.
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Christie’s tenure at FBISD was marked by historic achievements: record enrollment, closing a $47 million deficit, and successfully passing both a $1.26 billion bond and a VATRE for teacher pay raises and campus security. However, her departure was the result of a polarized board, not performance. Data and outcomes from her leadership remain publicly available and demonstrate her record of success.