Mercedes ISD super placed on paid administrative leave following arrest

Benjamin Clinton

MERCEDES — The school board here voted Tuesday night to place Superintendent Benjamin Clinton on administrative leave with pay following his DWI arrest on Friday.

Alicia Noyola has been named interim superintendent.

After several hours in closed session, the board voted unanimously to place Clinton on administrative leave with pay.

Noyola is the former Harlingen CISD superintendent, a position she held for more than two years. She retired from the position in August 2023.

Clinton provided a statement to the school board and the Mercedes community prior to Tuesday’s meeting.

“Recently, I was arrested for an alleged charge of driving while intoxicated,” the statement read. “Because this is an open legal matter, I am unable to share additional details at this time. I recognize the turmoil and disappointment this incident may have caused. For that, I am truly sorry. This incident does not reflect who I am—either as a person or as a leader. I am committed to demonstrating through my actions the values, professionalism, and dedication that the Mercedes community expects and deserves.”

Clinton was arrested last Friday on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

“On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the District was made aware of the arrest of the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Benjamin Clinton,” The district said in a statement. “The Board of Trustees will discuss the matter in closed session at its regular board meeting to be held on May 20, 2025. As this involves a personnel matter, we cannot share additional details at this time.”

Cameron County court records indicate Clinton was arrested on the charge. No other information on the circumstances of his arrest were immediately available.

Clinton was named to the helm of the district in February.

Before joining Mercedes ISD, Clinton served as deputy superintendent for Raymondville ISD.

Clinton’s contract with the district has an annual salary of $195,000.

The contract lists that it can be terminated through mutual agreement or dismissal for good cause. It also lists the superintendent may resign at the end of a school year without penalty by filing a written resignation with the board.

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