Sharon Pe Benito, appointed as the new principal of Harvard Elementary in Houston, stepped down before starting her role, citing extensive bullying on social media. The school will now operate under an interim principal for the rest of the academic year.
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The new principal of Houston ISD's Harvard Elementary School, Sharon Pe Benito, has resigned prior to officially taking on her responsibilities. She cited extensive social media abuse as the reason for her resignation. The appointment of Pe Benito to succeed Dr. Shelby Calabrese, who had been placed on administrative leave in early October, was anticipated. The appointment of Pe Benito was met with criticism from parents, who expressed their support for Dr. Calabrese and their opposition to the change.
Pe Benito's resignation was verified by HISD Central Division Superintendent Dr. Luz Martinez in a letter that was sent to parents on Tuesday afternoon. According to Dr. Martinez, "Pe Benito accepted the Harvard Elementary Principal position last week; however, she ultimately concluded that the position was no longer in her personal or professional best interest" as a result of extensive abuse on social media.
Just days after HISD announced that Pe Benito would assume the role of principal and that Dr. Calabrese was recommended for termination, this development sparked additional controversy among parents and community members.
As Harvard Elementary continues its academic year, it is without a permanent principal due to the resignation. In an effort to guarantee stability for students and staff during this transitional period, Dr. Martinez assured parents that an interim principal will be appointed to oversee the school for the remainder of the year.
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