Interim principal named at HISD’s Lantrip Elementary School

Lantrip Elementary School has named an interim principal, sources confirm.

On Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., Houston Independent School District sent an email to Lantrip Elementary staff, parents and students announcing that Janet Benavides has been selected for the role.

The announcement comes just hours after Lantrip parents protested outside of the school, demanding answers and transparency from the district after then-Principal Valiza Castro was abruptly removed from her position.

• Lantrip Elementary parents gather to protest principal’s removal, call for transparency from Houston ISD

Benavides served as the principal of Laurenzo Early Childhood Center for the past four years, before she was reassigned yesterday.

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According to the email announcing the hire, she will transition between Lantrip and her Laurenzo for the rest of this week and will fully begin the new role on Dec. 2.

• New principal at Harvard Elementary quits before first day after ‘extensive bullying’

This marks the second principal turnover at Lantrip this year and comes amidst broader concerns about leadership instability, with a reported 70% teacher turnover rate since June. HISD’s decision to place Castro on administrative leave follows a string of leadership changes across the district, sparking frustration among parents who are calling for increased transparency and stability.

READ MORE: ‘Upheaval and unrest:’ Parents, students speak to HISD board after Harvard Elementary staff shakeup