Biography
Dr. Kendall McManus-Thomas, affectionately known as Dr. Mac, is a native New Orleanian and has spent his entire career in education in his hometown. Currently, Dr. Mac is the Principal of Benjamin Franklin High School, one the state’s and nation’s most top performing schools. He is the first Black principal of the prestigious legacy high school.
Prior to his current appointment, most recently, he has served as the Principal of Andrew H. Wilson Charter, a Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade school in the Broadmoor, Uptown community of New Orleans. While principal, the school’s performance score (SPS) increased from a 52.2 D to a 69.7 C. In his last year, Wilson’s 11.9 SPS growth resulted in the second highest K-8th growth in the city. The school’s progress index grew 10.8 points to 102.2 A. Most significantly, the school’s mastery and above achievement rate tripled in mathematics from 7% to 21% as math cohort top growth rates also increased from 25% to 54%.
Dr. McManus-Thomas began his career as a chemistry teacher at Warren Easton High School, where he once attended, and was awarded Teacher of the Year. At Easton, he would later become an administrator and ultimately the Executive Director of Academics, where he led the academic and student support programming of the most in-demand, highest performing open-enrollment high schools in New Orleans.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Xavier University of Louisiana. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Executive Leadership from the University of Holy Cross, in which he was awarded Dissertation of the Year for traditional research. Dr. McManus-Thomas has continued to publish and present research on virtual professional learning, academic supports, diversity, and mentorship. He is a 2021 fellow of New Schools for New Orleans’ Executive Education Experience (E3).
As a proud New Orleanian, Dr. Mac loves local festivals and Saints games. He trains in mixed martial arts and enjoys spending time with his nieces and nephews. He is a member of the Sigma Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and New Home Ministries in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Dr. Mac 