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Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District Board of Trustees

Carolyn Benavides

Posted

Editor’s Note: The Branch Herald sent identical questionnaires to all candidates in this race. Responses are published in full and have not been edited for content, clarity or length, except for minor formatting.

This coverage is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and informed local decision-making in Farmers Branch, Addison and Carrollton.

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1. Name: Carolyn Benavides
2. City of Residence: Carrollton
3. Length of Residency in CFBISD: since June 1965
4. Occupation: Business owner Joe's Pizza, food, truck and daily deliveries. As well as amici signature, Italian catering
5. Education: Graduated Turner High School 1983, Study of Accounting, study of Business management, Metrocrest Chamber Leadership, TASB Continuing education, Region 10 continuing education
6. Campaign Phone:214-837-0569
10. YouTube:
11. Other Social Media:
 
12. Why are you running for the board of trustees, and why now? I am up for reelection, a third term in CFBISD. As a candidate for the position of School Board Trustee, I have a deep commitment to education and the belief that every child deserves a quality learning environment. Supporting students by providing excellent educational opportunities and providing competitive salaries and  professional development for teachers is the reason i'm running again.
 
13. What do you see as the district’s three biggest challenges? Budget, Teacher retention, enrollment
 
14.  What are the district’s three biggest opportunities? We cater to diverse student needs and interests through dual language programs and STEAM gifted academies. CTE programs at CFBISD prepare students by providing practical skills and certifications. Early College High School program allows students to earn high school diplomas while also obtaining college credits.

15.   What does success look like for CFBISD in five years from now? Improved early reading and math performance, meeting  or exceeding grade-level STARR, increased graduation rate and more resources tailored to meet student needs

16.  What is the proper role of a school board trustee? Governance: policy development, oversee financial aspects of the district, monitor performance, hire and evaluate the superintendent

17.  How will you balance the needs of students, staff, parents and taxpayers when those interests conflict? I work on behalf of the students and will always put their needs first to ensure a future for them that impacts our community, proves teachers success and  benefits families.

18.  What unique perspective or skill would you bring to the board? As a dedicated advocate of education, I am equipped with both experience and passion to make a positive difference. I bring community resources and education together to support teachers and all students. My support of sports programs, extracurricular activities and advocacy work strengthens community ties and educational opportunities, particularly for children and families in need.

19.  What do you believe is the district’s core mission?  We have an environment where every student feels supported and is encouraged to excel academically and socially. Access to resources and opportunities creates success regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.

20.  CFBISD faces a significant budget deficit. What specifically would you do to help stabilize district finances? Work with our team to reevaluate program effectiveness, audit expenses to creat cost savings, look for more grant opportunities, and possibly partner up on services that create savings.

21.  What do you believe caused the district’s current financial situation? Inflation,  Low state funding , aging buildings, low enrollment 

22.  What spending areas should be protected at all costs?  The quality of education and support services.

23.  What spending areas should be reviewed for possible reductions? Negotiate Contracts, Initiate and or review energy efficiency, consider removal of programs that aren't working, optimize staffing

24.  Would you support closing additional schools if necessary? Under what circumstances?  Considering school closures should include the community, we should provide complete data and impact, be transparent, and focused on maintaining educational quality for all students.

25.  How closely should trustees scrutinize administrative spending?  We have regular financial audits, budget review and approval, and monthly reports to give the board sufficient information to prove district spending.

26.  Do you believe the recent school closures were handled appropriately? Why or why not? I believe we should have increased community engagement, had longterm planning and gradual closures to allow time for feed back and impact.

27.  How do school closures affect student performance and community stability? The closures created an upheaval of protest and opposition in the community due to the lack of transparency. Closutes were hard on families and students settling in to their new campus.  The district's overall rating in 2025, increased to a B which was overall success for students, staff and community. 

28. How should the district measure success beyond test scores? Alumni success, Community involvement, Student surveys, student spirit, student engagement and participation as well as graduation rates

29.  How should the district support struggling students? Mentorship, parent engagement, Academic interventions, professional guidance and support

30.  How should the district support high-performing and gifted students? We have gifted and talented programs, enhanced learning opportunities, peer engagement and special instruction

31.  What role should career and technical education play? It's crucial ti empower students with practical skills, academic knowledge, and real-world experience

32.  What do you see as the biggest challenges facing teachers in CFBISD? Funding limitations and staff shortages

33.  How important is pay relative to other budget priorities? It's no. 1 and 85% of our budget 

34.  What role should teachers have in district decision-making? It's vital that teachers let us know that policies and practices align with classroom realities and student needs. :

35.  What qualities are most important in a superintendent? Strong leadership skills

36.  How will you ensure transparency in district decision-making? Should the good people of CFB re-elect me, I will continue to serve the students and staff  of CFBISD with my commitment to accountability, regular community engagement, parental engagement advocacy and resource accessibility

37.  What is something the public misunderstands about CFBISD? I think its technology accessibility and communication