"I believe in the power of community involvement and always put children first in my decisions. I am proud to be working with Northside Trustees and the Superintendent to inspire others to do whatever it takes to make our schools and neighborhoods high quality places to learn and live. I believe in teamwork and I value other people's input and wait to make a decision until after all the facts are known. We conduct meetings with great courtesy and I know that through mutual respect and teamwork great strides can be accomplished."

Bennie L. Cole, a longtime Northside ISD and community volunteer, was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2011 and currently serves as Secretary of the Board. Mr. Cole retired from the U.S. Air Force after 23 years and more than 4,000 hours as an aircrew member and more than two decades of federal service.

Cole’s commitment to education and to Northside ISD began when his son attended Adams Hill Elementary School, then later Pease Middle School and Jay High School. In 1995 Cole became a founding member of NEF and later served as NEF President from 2000-2003. Cole also served as one of the chairman of the 1995 Citizens’ Bond Committee and later as a member of the Citizens’ Bond Advisory Committee.

Cole attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. He is a graduate of the Governor’s Center for Management Development Program, the Ira C. Eaker College for Professional Development, the Juran Institute, and the FBI Citizens’ Academy, San Antonio Division.

Cole’s community service extends to the city of San Antonio and Bexar County. He has served as Vice-Chairman of the San Antonio Zoning Commission, Director/Trustee of the San Antonio Local Development Company and has been a member of the Downtown Housing Trust Fund Committee, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission Scholarship Committee, and the Alamo Colleges Bond Committee. He is also a member of V.F.W. Post 76, Tuskegee Airmen Inc., the FBI San Antonio Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association, and the San Antonio Zulu Association.

He has received numerous awards throughout his career and community service, including the Air Force Civilian Medal of Valor for (Heroism), San Antonio Police Officers Association Humanitarian of the Year, San Antonio Police Department Certificate of Merit, United Negro College Fund “Leadership Award”, San Antonio Black Achievement Award for Public Service, Brenham ISD “Distinguished Alumni” Award, CPS Energy “Amazing Energy Award,”  and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. “Legend Award.” He is also part of the Air Force Academy and Ent Air Force Base Hall of Fame as a fast pitch softball player.

Cole is married to Edithe Cole and has a grown son and six grandchildren.