New Orleans’ Benjamin Franklin High School names new principal

Bella Dardano
·1 min read

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Benjamin Franklin High School has named Dr. Kendall McManus-Thomas as its new principal at the Katherine Johnson Campus.

School officials made the announcement on Monday, April 29.

According to a news release, McManus-Thomas is a New Orleans native who “would’ve been a 2007 graduate of Warren Easton High School if not for Hurricane Katrina.”

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The release states he went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in chemistry education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Xavier University of Louisiana. He earned his doctorate in executive leadership at the University of Holy Cross.

School officials said McManus-Thomas has worked as a chemistry teacher, a track coach, an executive director of academics and a principal throughout his career.

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They said he most recently served as the principal at the Andrew H. Wilson Charter School.

The release states some of McManus-Thomas’ achievements include Warren Easton Teacher of the Year and the University of Holy Cross Dissertation of the Year.

School officials said he was selected from a pool of more than 50 applicants and is set to start on June 1.

“With the partnership of the amazing student body and extraordinary faculty and staff, I am thrilled to lead us forward. I look forward to immersing myself into the community and meeting the students, families, teachers, staff, board members, and alumni,” said McManus-Thomas.

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