About Our School
Planning for Benjamin Banneker Elementary School began in 1989 under the leadership of Ester Richey (former principal), with the help of a site task force. The school opened in the fall of 1990 at Pershing Elementary School, a temporary site, with a total of 328 students. By the fall of 1991 the new school site was completed and the student body numbered 600. The new building was officially, and most appropriately, named after Benjamin Banneker.
Benjamin Banneker was an outstanding scientist, astronomer, mathematician, and surveyor who lived during colonial times. He was born in 1731 on a farm outside of Baltimore, Maryland. He received some formal instruction when he was 12, but was mainly self-taught. He was one of the leaders of his time in the use of technology and was a driving force in the area of human rights. When he died in 1806 he was acclaimed throughout the world for his accomplishments.
Today Benjamin Banneker Elementary School has approximately 310 students.
About Our Principal
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as your new principal! With great excitement, I present myself as an innovative, enthusiastic, motivated leader from Los Angeles, California!My entire 23 year career has been devoted to working in urban schools much like Banneker.My entire career has been spent in well known urban areas like Compton, Watts and Long Beach.Urban schools in what might be called “challenged” areas are my passion. I was an elementary and middle school classroom teacher for 10 years, district office coordinator for 4 years, vice principal for 4 years and this year will be my 5
th year as a principal.I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Chapman University in Orange, California and a Doctorate of Education in Urban School Leadership from the University of Southern California.I have come to Kansas City to reconnect with my family, who has lived here for many years, and also to join the awesome team of new administrators who are ushering in a “new day” in the Kansas City Public Schools.
Now is the time for Banneker Bulldogs to shine! I am fully convinced that this will be one of the best school years we have ever experienced! Our students are ready and waiting for us to bring on the energy, fire and ingenuity that will take them to new levels of achievement and success. So….Let’s Do It! Let’s be our absolute best for them!
