Warren Easton Appoints Dr. Kendall McManus-Thomas as CEO/Principal

NEW ORLEANS — The Warren Easton Charter High School Foundation announced during its board meeting tonight that Dr. Kendall McManus-Thomas has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer/Principal of Warren Easton Charter High School, effective July 1. A proud former student of Warren Easton and former teacher and administrator at the school, Dr. McManus-Thomas returns to lead the institution where his educational journey began. He succeeds longtime CEO/Principal Mervin Jackson, whose leadership helped guide Warren Easton through a period of tremendous academic growth and stability. Most recently, Dr. McManus-Thomas served as principal of Benjamin Franklin High School, where he became the school’s first Black male principal. During his tenure, Benjamin Franklin regained its ranking as the No. 1 high school in Louisiana and earned recognition among the Top 100 high schools nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Under his leadership, the school achieved a 133.9 School Performance Score (A), increased Advanced Placement pass rates from 89% to 94%, reached a 98% student retention rate, and earned Accreditation with Distinction.Prior to Benjamin Franklin, Dr. McManus-Thomas served as principal of Andrew H. Wilson Charter School, where the school’s performance score increased by 17.5 points during his tenure and achieved one of the highest academic growth rates among K-8 schools in New Orleans.“Dr. McManus-Thomas is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of Warren Easton’s legacy, culture, and mission,” said Floyd Miles Jr., Board President of the Warren Easton Charter High School Foundation. “His proven record of academic excellence, commitment to students, and passion for this school made him an excellent choice to lead Warren Easton into its next chapter. We are excited to welcome him home.”Dr. McManus-Thomas began his career as a chemistry teacher and track coach at Warren Easton, where he was named Teacher of the Year. He later served as an administrator and Executive Director of Academics, helping lead academic and student-support initiatives at one of the city’s most sought-after open-enrollment high schools. “To lead my high school, the oldest public high school in the state, as CEO and Principal is the highest honor of my professional career,” said Dr. Kendall McManus-Thomas. “I am humbled at the confidence the Board of Directors has placed in me, and I commit to give the students, families, staff, and entire school community the absolute best as we build on an incredible legacy that is The Easton Way. I am especially aware of the shoulders I stand on following amazing Easton leaders like Mr. Philmon Edwards (Mr. Ed), Mrs. Alexina Medley, and Mr. Mervin Jackson. Warren Easton transformed my life. Every day I lead our historic school, I will remain diligently focused on ensuring Easton continues to march onward, leading the way in advancing the futures of our students today and for generations to come.”A lifelong New Orleanian, Dr. McManus-Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Xavier University of Louisiana. He later earned a Ph.D. in Executive Leadership from University of Holy Cross, where he received the Dissertation of the Year award for traditional research. He continues to publish and present research focused on professional learning, academic supports, diversity, and mentorship in education.