Benjamin Franklin Elementary Names New School Leaders

Ben Franklin Elementary Mathematics and Science School (BFE) CEO/Principal Charlotte Matthew has appointed two new school leaders for the 2020-21 School Year: Nichelle Logan Jones is the new Elementary School Leader and Patrice Woods Joseph the new Middle School Leader. Matthew will rise exclusively to Chief Executive Officer of Legacy of Excellence and both PK-8 grade campuses.BFE serves approximately 770 students.“I am eager to see the innovation and experience our two new School Leaders bring to the table,” said Matthew. “We are ready to move our school community to the next level.”Matthew served as BFE Principal since July 2006, has 23 years experience as a New Orleans Public School Principal, is a former NOPS Principal of the Year and semifinalist for Principal of the Year of Louisiana. She has done significant work with the Southern Coalition for Educational Equity, Children’s Defense Fund, Foundation for the Mid South and the Louisiana Department of Education. “Ben Franklin Elementary is an in demand school that is continuously growing and showcasing incredible new School Leaders,” said Matthew.  While mentoring the two new school leaders, she will focus on her CEO responsibilities.            Newly appointed Elementary School Leader Nichelle Logan Jones will lead the Elementary Campus at 1116 Jefferson Avenue, serving grades PK-5th. She has been an educator for 20 years, beginning as a teacher at Benjamin Franklin Elementary, and eventually working her way up to Dean of Students and Assistant Principal.  “As the new Elementary School Leader, my goal is to be an agent for change for the students of New Orleans.  All students can learn if they are equipped with the necessary tools to be successful,” said Mrs. Jones.Mrs. Jones attended the University of New Orleans with a major in Upper Elementary Education and received a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. She received a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Xavier University of Louisiana. Newly appointed Middle School Leader  Patrice Woods Joseph will lead the Middle School Campus at 401 Nashville Avenue for grades 6th-8th.  She is in her 30^th year as an educator, initially coming to BFE as a teacher and later as Assistant Principal of the Middle School.  “I intend to continue my service to the BFE community by making sure that all students receive a high quality education daily. I am committed to serving our students and families with high expectations and the road map needed for students to excel in middle school and beyond,” said Mrs. Joseph.Mrs. Joseph attended Dillard University of New Orleans where she majored in Elementary Education.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Xavier University of New Orleans. Mrs. Joseph is also an accomplished author, her most recent book is entitled Water Line, My Family’s Journey Before, During, and After Hurricane Katrina. For more information on Ben Franklin Elementary, go to www.babyben.org or call (504) 304-3932.  

Elementary School Leader Nichelle Logan Jones 

Middle School Leader  Patrice Woods JosephCEO of Legacy of Excellenc