Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD swears in two trustees; Hatfield chosen president, Brady vice president, Garza Rojas secretary

CARROLLTON-FARMERS BRANCH, Texas — Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District trustees on June 4, 2026, swore in Carolyn Benavides and Synethia Cynthia Noda to three-year terms and elected the board’s officers for the coming year.

The Honorable Blanca Oliver administered the oath as family members joined the newly elected trustees at the dais. "Welcome back to the team," board members said to Ms. Benavides as the board applauded.

Before nominations, trustees moved into a closed session under Texas Government Code section 551.074 to deliberate personnel matters, appointments and related items; the board did not announce any formal outcomes from that closed session when business resumed.

Board President Cassandra Hatfield, who identified herself during roll call, was the sole nominee for president and spoke briefly about her approach to the role, saying she takes the position "very seriously" and emphasizing the need to build capacity, be a thought partner with the superintendent and hold the superintendent accountable. Kim Brady nominated Hatfield; the board elected her "by a vote of seven in favor, zero opposed."

Nominations for vice president followed. Eliana Garza Rojas nominated Kim Brady, who said she would continue supporting the board’s work. The board elected Brady by a vote recorded as "seven in favor, zero opposed."

Marjorie Barnes nominated Eliana Garza Rojas for board secretary. The transcript records the result as "five out of seven in favor, and zero opposed; the motion carries." The record does not specify why two members did not register a vote or whether abstentions were recorded.

Earlier in the meeting, trustees discussed priorities they believe will shape district work over the next year. Trustees named the budget and multi-year financial decisions, student outcomes and legislative priorities as focal points. Trustees also described leadership characteristics they want in officers, including the ability to bring colleagues together, to mentor newer members and to speak positively about the district while supporting and holding the superintendent accountable.

The board concluded its agenda at about 5:27 p.m. and invited attendees to a reception in the lobby.

What’s next: The board did not announce additional action items at the meeting. The officers will serve under board policy BDAA (legal) and BDAA (local), which govern organization and officer roles.