Houston ISD’s Harvard Elementary Sees Sudden Leadership Overhaul, Introduces New Student Engagement Strategies

In a surprising turn of events, two administrators were unexpectedly removed from their roles at Houston ISD’s Harvard Elementary School and reassigned. Assistant Principal Dr. Alejandra Perez and Magnet Coordinator Daisha Huntley were escorted out with their belongings yesterday, as reported by

KPRC 2

. A notice sent to parents highlighted the transition to a new leadership team, citing, “District leadership believes this change is in the fundamental best interest of Harvard Elementary students and your school community.”

Previous Principal, Dr. Shelby Calabrese, already on leave since early October is now recommended for termination, although the specifics of the case remain undisclosed due to legal protection. Stepping in are Sharon Pe Benito, as the new principal, and Molly Lashway as the new assistant principal. According to the notice, the quick replacement of the school’s leadership aims to minimize disruptions during the school year.

Meanwhile, Houston ISD has brought forward strategies it hopes will better engage students in the classroom. In a first Student Success meeting, parents were introduced to the use of whiteboards and “turn-and-talk” partner work as daily engagement tools. This initiative is part of the sweeping overhaul by the state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles, seeking to implement “high-quality instruction” across the district.

Explaining the rationale behind these strategies, HISD’s Senior Executive Director of External Engagement, Najah Callander, emphasized to the

Houston Chronicle

, “A lot has changed in HISD in the last year and a half, and the intention behind every change is to make sure that teachers are better teachers, and that students are learning more.” According to Sandi Massey, HISD’s Chief of Leadership and Professional Development, the whiteboards facilitate quick feedback on student comprehension, while partner work reinforces the lessons and creates an active learning environment.

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