Bernice Hart grew up in East Austin and earned a bachelor's degree in education at what is now Huston-Tillotson University. She earned a master's degree from the University of Texas. She retired as head counselor at LBJ High School in 1982, and ran for the Austin school board that fall.  Bernice Hart won in a runoff with almost 54 percent of the vote and served on the board until retiring in 1993.

"One of her biggest contributions as a trustee was her proposal to return the district to a tradition of neighborhood schools", said Nan Clayton, a former trustee who served with Hart for 10 years.

Before 1987, elementary school students were bused to integrate schools across the district, but Bernice Hart pushed for better schools in all neighborhoods so young children would not have to be bused across the city, Clayton said. Hart Elementary School was named in her honor in 1998.

In Memory of Bernice Hart

​On February 23, 2021, Hart Elementary hosted Literacy Night for all families. Before the choir performance, our students, staff and families took a moment of silence in honor of Ms. Bernice Hart.  To show our heartfelt sincerity, every student of the choir held a BIG RED HEART, a small token of our appreciation for all the hard work, dedication and LOVE Ms. Hart gave to all students in the district.

Thank you for everything, Ms. Hart!