BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
CEO
Principal
Alex Jarrell started as the CEO at Benjamin Franklin High School in March 2024. A native of New York City, Mr. Jarrell received a bachelor of arts degree in history from Northwestern University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and a master of science in education entrepreneurship degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
After moving to New Orleans, Mr. Jarrell was a teacher and principal at KIPP Central City Academy, consistently the top-performing middle school in the New Orleans Recovery School Districts, and then served as the Chief Innovation Officer at New Schools for New Orleans, where he led the citywide school support strategy.
His favorite restaurants in New Orleans are Saffron, Compere Lapin, and Pizza Delicious. And of course, he enjoys the cheeseburger at La Petite Grocery -- best in the city! Contact him at AJarrell@bfhsla.org.
Dr. McManus-Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry education and his master’s degree in educational leadership from Xavier University of Louisiana and earned his doctorate in executive leadership from the University of Holy Cross, where he was awarded Dissertation of the Year. He continues to publish and present research on virtual professional learning, academic supports, diversity, and mentorship.
Dr. McManus-Thomas has spent his entire career in education, beginning as a chemistry teacher and track coach. He served as Executive Director of Academics at Warren Easton, as well as school principal at Andrew Wilson with InspireNOLA Charter Schools.
A lifelong New Orleanian, Dr. McManus-Thomas is an avid Saints fan who loves cooking and watching basketball and can’t leave Jazz Fest without eating a Vaucresson hot sausage po’ boy, Crawfish Monica, at least one mango freeze, and a soft-shell crab po’ boy.
Contact him at KMcmanus@bfhsla.org.