Principal Steps Down Before Official Start
The newly appointed principal of Houston Independent School District’s Harvard Elementary, Sharon Pe Benito, has resigned from her role before even beginning her tenure. Her decision to step down was communicated in a letter from HISD Central Division Superintendent Dr. Luz Martinez to the parents of Harvard students on Tuesday. According to Dr. Martinez, Pe Benito’s resignation stemmed from intense social media criticism, leading her to conclude that the role was not aligned with her personal or professional goals.
“Although Pe Benito had accepted the principal position at Harvard Elementary last week, she ultimately decided that it was not in her best interest due to extensive online bullying,” Dr. Martinez shared. Pe Benito was initially selected to replace Dr. Shelby Calabrese, who was placed on leave earlier in October.
Community Pushback and Administrative Changes
The decision to appoint Pe Benito was met with swift backlash on social media, with numerous Harvard parents expressing their support for Dr. Calabrese, the outgoing principal. The contentious nature of this transition sparked broader discussions within the community about leadership changes and their impact on Harvard’s students. Following the announcement of Pe Benito’s appointment, HISD informed parents that Dr. Calabrese had been recommended for termination, further intensifying debates.
Additionally, Harvard Elementary experienced other administrative shifts recently, with Assistant Principal Dr. Alejandra Perez and Magnet Coordinator Daisha Huntley being reassigned to other campuses. The two administrators were escorted off campus, creating further uncertainty among parents and faculty.
Interim Leadership and New Beginnings
In light of Pe Benito’s sudden departure, Dr. Stefanie Spencer has been appointed interim principal for the remainder of the academic year. Dr. Spencer, an experienced administrator with 18 years in Goose Creek CISD and Spring Branch ISD, was named Principal of the Year for Spring Branch ISD’s elementary division in 2022. Her reputation for leadership and dedication to education has brought cautious optimism among Harvard Elementary’s stakeholders as they navigate the remainder of the school year.
Meanwhile, Molly Lashway, who was hired as an assistant principal alongside Pe Benito, will remain in her role and assume her duties as initially planned.
