"I believe in the power of community involvement and always put children first in my decisions. 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 one who values other people's input and wait to make a decision after all the facts are known. Conduct meetings with great courtesy and 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 is serving his first term on the Board. He serves as the Board representative to the Northside Education Foundation, is Chairman of the Technology Committee, and serves on the Building and Policy and Intergovernmental Relations committees. 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 served on the Citizens' Bond Advisory Committee.

Cole attended Southwest Texas State University at San Marcos. He is a graduate of the Governor's Center for Management Development, Ira C. Eaker College for Professional Development, and a graduate of the Juran Institute.

Cole's community service extends to the city of San Antonio and Bexar County. He's 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 also is a member of V.F.W. Post 76, Tuskegee Airmen Inc., 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, San Antonio Black Achievement Award for Public Service, Brenham ISD “Distinguished Alumni” Award, and graduate of the FBI Citizens' Academy, San Antonio Division.

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