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I’m Maria Benzon. I’m a parent, educator, community leader, and advocate for public education—and I’m ready to fight for our schools, our students, and our future. 

I’ve spent over 25 years in education as a math teacher, curriculum specialist, assistant principal, and professor. I supported students and teachers every step of the way. With a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, I researched student motivation. I’ve dedicated my career to building strong, student-centered schools where educators thrive and children grow.

I’m a proud HISD graduate, HISD parent, and active community leader. At Condit Elementary, I’ve served as a Girl Scout leader, Odyssey of the Mind coach, and Room Parent; I coach youth volleyball at the Bellaire Rec Center. As President of Bellaire Young Mothers , I’ve worked to connect families and build community.

Like you, I’ve watched with alarm as the state-appointed superintendent undermined and weakened our district.  I've spoken out about the misuse of taxpayer dollars and the manipulation of data at the expense of our students.

We are stronger than this takeover. I believe in public schools that prioritize learning, nurture creativity, and uplift the community. Every child deserves a school where they feel safe, supported, and inspired—and together, we can reclaim that vision.

We must organize, mobilize, and vote. And when we win, we must be ready—not just to stop the harm, but to heal, rebuild, and lead. 

Let’s reclaim HISD—together.

Check if you can vote in HISD District V—enter your name, then click your voter #.


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Wednesday, December 11, 2024 6:49 PM

Dr. Maria Benzon speaks out against Superintendent Mike Miles

"After bond defeat,  HISD educator and parent Maria Benzon spoke to the media about the harmful takeover stating,  "So which is it, is your data wrong or are you intentionally misleading us?" said Maria Benzon, a vocal Miles critic.


Wednesday, May 22, 2024 10:22 AM

Houston community, teachers not happy after first year of state supervision of schools

Maria Benzon, a veteran Houston ISD teacher, is speaking out about the damage the state takeover is doing to students. “It’s never been like this. It’s never felt so much like you’re being strangled,” she said. “I want everybody to love learning for the sake of learning. And it has become sadly a space of we are learning so we can pass the standardized tests.”

"Benzon said that when she pulled two students to the back of the class to help them individually, she was told she shouldn't be giving any students one-on-one instruction."


Friday, October 20, 2023 4:40 PM

HISD parents, teachers continue criticism of state-appointed leaders and their policies

“The takeover needs to stop,” said Benzon, who also planned to speak at Friday’s protest. “We don't have a democratically elected board. We need to be treated more professionally and with more respect. There are so many reasons why we’re standing up today.”



Wednesday, September 20, 2023 7:00 PM

Teacher turnover is a controversial part of Houston ISD reforms. It’s a feature, not a side effect

“Teachers deserve support, not surveillance.” — Maria Benzon, HISD school board candidate, joins parents and educators speaking out as protests grow against teacher removals and top-down reforms at Cage Elementary and across HISD.


Thursday, March 16, 2023 5:49 PM

Texas political leaders, Houston officials and HISD community members react to the TEA takeover of Texas' largest school district

"My school teaches mostly emergent bilingual kids and so many refugee kids. To understand the support necessary in a community like that — someone from the outside will have no idea. The voices of the community I teach will be quieted."
HISD parent and teacher


Friday, January 6, 2023 5:36 PM

Advocates say HISD redistricting plans could dilute immigrant, Latino vote in southwest Houston

"Maria Benzon, a parent who works at Sugar Grove Academy, a middle school in Sharpstown, urged the board to not vote until these concerns are addressed.

'I’m here today to ask that you delay any votes on the district plan, and consider a more equitable version than (the proposed plans),' Benzon said. 'I know these areas. Historically, these communities have had voting power diluted by three districts -- 5, 6 and 7, and they have not been represented by people with similar backgrounds and experiences.'


Tuesday, August 3, 2021 12:55 AM

(Minority) Voter Suppression

Latest updates from the campaign:

 In Texas, Efforts to Make Voting Harder Have Some Worried in Harris County

Maria Benzon, an assistant principal who used drive-thru voting in Bellaire, just southwest of Houston, says she's proud of those lawmakers.

"Sometimes, you need to shake up the system for people to be made aware of what's going on," Benzon says, "and what's going on in our state, and what the governor is trying to do, it's so wrong."

Benzon is particularly concerned that the legislation is deliberately aimed at discouraging minority voter participation.

Paid for by Maria Benzon for HISD campaign | Jack Blanton III, Treasurer
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