Lansing School District (LSD) First Deputy Superintendent Jessica Benavides has been named interim superintendent for the District effective February 1, 2026. Current LSD superintendent Ben Shuldiner will begin his new duties in Seattle Washington after his four plus year run officially ends on January 31, 2026.
Benavides had only been in the newly created “First Deputy Superintendent since July 1, 2025, continuing a career long trend of moving up and into different positions making her a very well rounded candidate. She has been a teacher, principal and central administrator and is a favorite of many in the District. With almost 30 years in the LSD, she was instrumental in the recent LSD success along with Shuldiner as her familiarity with the District was extremely helpful to him.
At last week’s school board meeting, the board approved her contract as the LSD gears up for her to take the reins of 10,000 students and more than 20 schools in about 43 days. Prior to serving as First Deputy Superintendent, she was the Executive Director of Improvement and Innovation. Her love of the students, the city and creativity, should lead to a smooth and welcome transition.
