Superintendent's Office

Interim Superintendent
Jessica Benavides

Jessica Benavides is the Interim Superintendent of the Lansing School District, bringing 29 years of experience in public education and a deep, lifelong commitment to the Lansing community. Born and raised in Lansing, she takes great pride in living, working, and serving in the district that shaped her both personally and professionally.

Ms. Benavides has spent her entire career dedicated to Lansing students, families, and staff, serving in roles that span the classroom, school leadership, and district administration. She began her career as a teacher at the elementary and middle school levels, where she developed a strong foundation in instructional practice, student engagement, and collaborative leadership. In 2007, she was received the Elsie A. Maile teacher of the year award. She later served as principal at multiple Lansing schools, most notably Sheridan Road STEM Magnet School, where under her leadership, the school earned two national Magnet School of Distinction Awards from Magnet Schools of America.

In district leadership roles, Ms. Benavides has served as Executive Director of Improvement and Innovation and First Deputy Superintendent of Schools, overseeing instruction, curriculum, professional development, assessment, data and accountability, enrollment, school improvement, technology, athletics, enrichment, and state and federal grants.

Throughout her career, Ms. Benavides has been known for her collaborative leadership style, strong communication, and unwavering focus on equity. She is deeply committed to fostering culturally responsive learning environments, strengthening systems that support principals and educators, and ensuring all students have access to safe, engaging, and high-quality educational opportunities.

Ms. Benavides earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Education and her Master of Arts in Curriculum Development from Michigan State University. She has also completed extensive leadership training through statewide and national programs focused on systems leadership and continuous improvement, including Education Policy Fellowship Program, Teach Michigan! Systems Leader Fellowship and MASA Horizons.

As Interim Superintendent, Ms. Benavides looks forward to continuing to work alongside students, staff, families, and community partners to build on the strengths of the Lansing School District. Grounded in her roots and guided by a belief in shared leadership, she remains steadfast in her commitment to serving Lansing with integrity, transparency, and care.