Houston ISD Trustees Sworn In Amid Ongoing Takeover
Houston ISD’s headquarters recently witnessed the official swearing-in of its newly elected trustees, including incumbents Bridget Wade and Myrna Guidry, as well as newcomers Felicity Pereyra, Maria Benzon, and Mike McDonough. This ceremony took place under the shadow of the ongoing takeover by the Texas Education Agency, which began in 2023 and has been extended until at least 2027.
The Takeover’s Impact on Elected Trustees
The takeover has significant implications for the elected trustees, as they have been sidelined in favor of a state-appointed board of managers. As a result, the elected board members will not regain voting power until after the state’s intervention. This situation was not lost on the crowd during the swearing-in ceremony, where Benzon and McDonough emphasized the phrase "independent school district" while taking their oaths, prompting a mix of reactions from the audience.
New Trustees Bring Fresh Perspectives
Maria Benzon, one of the newly elected trustees, first ran for the board in 2021 but lost her bid. However, she remained involved with the HISD community and ran again in the fall as part of the "end the takeover" slate of candidates. Benzon is looking forward to collaborating with advocacy groups in the community, recognizing the value of diverse voices and perspectives in shaping the vision for good education.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
Benzon’s approach to her new role emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community engagement. She believes that good education is not just about individual opinions but about bringing together different communities and voices to shed light on the issues and share in the work. This collaborative mindset is expected to play a crucial role in her tenure as a trustee.
Advocacy and Student Engagement
Kylie Mavris, a student at the University of Houston and an advocate with Community Voices for Public Education, believes that the elected trustees can still make a meaningful impact under the takeover. Mavris hopes to see the trustees engage more with students, listen to their concerns, and amplify their voices. This would involve bringing student concerns to the media, the board, and other relevant platforms.
Holding the State-Appointed Superintendent Accountable
Benzon has been a vocal critic of state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles and plans to reach out to him to request a meeting. Her primary goal is to ensure that Miles is held accountable for his actions, as demanded by the community. Benzon also intends to continue attending and speaking at board meetings, reading all policies, and advocating for the well-spent use of funds and the support of teachers, even though she currently lacks voting power.
Conclusion
The swearing-in of the new Houston ISD trustees marks a significant event amidst the ongoing takeover by the Texas Education Agency. Despite the challenges posed by the takeover, the new trustees are determined to make a positive impact. By emphasizing collaboration, community engagement, and advocacy, they aim to ensure that the voices of the community, including those of students and teachers, are heard and valued. As the situation continues to unfold, the commitment of these trustees to the principles of good education and community involvement will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the takeover and working towards a better future for Houston ISD.
