Each month we'll be featuring school board members in an effort to learn more about the wonderful individuals serving on our boards!

Danny Benjamin joined the Escambia County school board in 1988 and has served the board faithfully for 33 years! Danny takes pride in maintaining Escambia County schools and ensuring that its students have an exceptional educational experience.

Read below to learn more about Danny Benjamin!

Other than your service as a school board member, tell us about your career/ professional background. 

 I am retired from Exxonmobil after 33-1/2 years of service. I am a Baptist preacher and have been in ministry for 35 years.

What inspired you to join the school board?

In 1988, ECSB consisted of five elected members. Because there was no African American representation on the board, the county was redistricted and two additional districts were added. A very special individual in my life, the late Coach David Salter, came to me and asked if I would be interested in being on the board of education and he highly recommended me and I was elected. I have served faithfully for 33 years without any opposition. I'm grateful for the confidence that the citizens in my district have in me to keep affording me this opportunity to serve.

What is your favorite part about being a school board member?

My favorite part of being a board member is striving to make a difference in the lives of our students, teachers, administrators and support personnel. I'm also thankful to aid in the process of maintaining our schools and constructing new ones when needed.

What does being a board member mean to you?

Serving as a board member means so very much to me. I enjoy being able to look back over the years to see where we’ve come from as a board and to see where we are now; however, we still have much work to do to ensure that the students graduate from high school, college or trade schools. That they are career ready, and that their educational experience has been a memorable one and very rewarding. 

What do you do outside of the school board, and what are some of your hobbies?

Some of my hobbies are hunting, fishing, restoring vintage cars, gardening, traveling and singing! I also love watching western movies and Gunsmoke. In high school I played football and ran track so I enjoy watching sports. I am an avid Alabama Crimson Tide and New Orleans Saints fan!

An interesting fact about me is...

I am the tenth child of my parents, the late Dea. Kyler and Lena Benjamin who were adamant about all of their children getting a good education and becoming productive citizens. Our homework had to be done and we had to obey our teachers.  When the most outstanding athlete was named in my senior year, my name was called and my mother shouted, “That’s my Baby!” I was so happy to make her proud.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

My favorite inspiration comes from Psalm 27:1: The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

I am so thankful to have been selected to share in this process and pray that the Lord will allow AASB, all board members of Alabama and across this nation to continue to serve to the best of our ability to make a difference in the lives of all children.