Benzon4HISD
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Maria Benzon was elected in November 2025 as the Houston ISD Board Trustee for District 5
2/12/26 Board Meeting:
*Thanks to the COMMUNITY MEMBERS (who started speaking around 8:30). Y'all are troopers!!!
*Thanks to those who helped get an elected person to speak last night! That was so powerful!
*Thanks to parents and kids who spoke their truths! Keep using your voice!
On Tuesday, January 27 (the day HISD reopened after the winter storm), teachers informed me that some schools and classrooms were VERY COLD, ranging from no heat to minimal heat.
I contacted an HISD representative and stated:
I’m very concerned about students and staff who have returned to campuses without adequate heat. I’ve received reports that several schools—Marshall, Henry, Revere, Hamilton, Shadydale, and Braeburn—are currently too cold and/or do not have functioning heat. Can you confirm when heat is expected to be fully restored at these campuses, and whether mobile heaters will be used in the interim and for how long? I’m also aware of partially heated campuses, including Lawson, Wheatley, and Woodson. I understand the challenges following the winter storm and ongoing extreme temperatures; however, ensuring safe and warm learning environments is critical. Can you please ask Mr. Miles to share the plan and anticipated timeline for addressing these conditions so we can ensure students remain safe and warm? Thank you.
The representative spoke with the Chief of Facilities and said that "the district is currently aware of all building concerns and actively working to address them."
All students should have a safe and supportive learning environment, not freezing classrooms.
Take care. Stay engaged. We’re in this together.
Contact me: [email protected] (until I get my official HISD email address)
On Thursday, I was honored to be sworn in to serve the Houston ISD community and represent District V as an elected school board trustee. Thanks to all my friends, families, and supporters for making this day a reality. Thank you to Representative Lauren Ashley Simmons for making the oath mean so much more than the words on the page.
Even though I won't have a vote on the dais until the state takeover ends, I will continue to be a voice for our community of teachers, families, and students.
It is essential to hold the unelected board of managers and appointed superintendent accountable:
** to respect our communities by wisely spending our tax dollars on students (not bloated administrative salaries and bonuses),
** to respect educators as professionals (not threaten and fire them for addressing student needs instead of following the scripted, AI curriculum), and
** to respect students as life-long learners, critical thinkers, and problem solvers who deserve the best education (not packets of worksheets and test prep).
Together, let's continue the work to ensure our students receive the best education in HISD.
11/05/2025
🎉 WE DID IT!!! WE WON!!! 🎉
Friends,
I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
Because of YOU — your support, your canvassing, your calls, your conversations with neighbors, your belief that our schools deserve better — WE made history. This victory isn’t just mine. It belongs to every student, every family, every educator, and every community member who refused to give up on Houston ISD.
Over these past months, we didn’t just work hard; we worked together. We showed what happens when diverse voices unite and demand respect, transparency, and excellence for our kids.
Now, we celebrate… and then we get to work. The real effort begins now: rebuilding trust, elevating community voices, and fighting for strong, joyful schools for every student in every neighborhood. We win together.
I also want to extend my appreciation to Robbie McDonough for running and for his commitment to Houston ISD. I wish him success and look forward to working together to advocate for all HISD students and families.
Thank you for believing in this movement. Thank you for showing up.
Onward, together.
11/05/2025
Harris County Young Democrats endorses me for HISD Trustee in District V! 1 hour until the polls close - Find your nearest polling site at https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers
11/04/2025
Council Member Letitia Plummer endorses me for HISD Trustee in District V! 2 hours until the polls close - Find your nearest polling site at https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers
11/04/2025
Annie's List endorses me for HISD Trustee in District V! 3 hours until the polls close - Find your nearest polling site at https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers
11/04/2025
Ron Reynolds endorses me for HISD Trustee in District V! 4 hours until the polls close - Find your nearest polling site at https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers
11/04/2025
Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz endorses me for HISD Trustee in District V! 4 hours until the polls close - Find your nearest polling site at https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers
11/04/2025
Houston Progressive Caucus endorses me for HISD Trustee in District V! 5 hours until the polls close - Find your nearest polling site at https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers
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