April Benjamin will serve as interim principal of McLeod Elementary School for the 2023-2024 school year. Mrs. Benjamin has 16 years of educational experience, all as a team member of JPS. Her educational experience began at Bradley Elementary in 2007 as a fourth-grade teacher. Prior to coming to McLeod, Mrs. Benjamin served as a fourth and fifth grade teacher and team leader, an Ask for More Arts collaborator, a National Honor Society sponsor, a K-5 instructional interventionist, site coordinator for JPS afterschool, summer school principal, academic coach for elementary division II, and assistant principal for McLeod Elementary.

A Jackson native and JPS graduate, Mrs. Benjamin earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of teaching arts from Mississippi College. She also earned a Master of Education in school leadership and administration from Belhaven University.

Mrs. Benjamin is elated to continue to serve families at McLeod and is committed to contributing to the success of JPS scholars by establishing positive relationships with students, staff, and families to foster academic success for all scholars.

Ms. Stephanie Luckett will serve as Assistant Principal at McLeod Elementary School for the 2023-2024 school year. She brings 29 years of educational experience to her new role. During these previous years Ms. Luckett has fostered the success of students and teachers by implementing organizational and instructional strategies that enhance teaching and learning. Her career began at Lake Elementary School as a music teacher. Later, she became a phenomenal Science teacher at Siwell Middle School, Brinkley Middle School and Peeples Middle Schools before becoming an Assistant Principal at Wilkins Elementary School in 2019. Her commitment to student academic performance contributed to her students receiving high performance ratings on the 8th grade state assessments while at Brinkley. Lastly, she has served as A3 Summer Camp principal for the past 3 years respectfully.

Ms. Luckett earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Jackson State University. She earned her Masters and Specialist degrees from Mississippi College in Elementary Education and Educational Administration. She has completed coursework from Mississippi State University in Curriculum and Instruction in preparation of completion of her PhD. Ms. Luckett is a proud member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Ms. Luckett is honored to serve as Assistant Principal at McLeod Elementary. She embraces a growth mindset and is committed to maintaining a stimulating educational environment that supports growth for all scholars.