Barbieri Vice Principal To Become Interim Principal at Brophy Elementary

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FRAMINGHAM –  With Brophy Principal Frank Rothwell announcing he is leaving the district, Framingham Superintendent Bob Tremblay has announced that the Vice Principal at Barbieri Elementary will be the interim Principal at Brophy for the 202-23 school year.

Jessica Mandes, the current Vice Principal at Barbieri Elementary School has been appointed as the Interim Principal, said the District in a press release issued after 5 p.m. today, July 20.

Mandes started her very successful administrative career in Framingham in 2020 and has been a valued member of the Barbieri team, said the press release.

Prior to her work in Framingham, she taught in Florida, earned her Masters Degree in Organizational Management while simultaneously earning her administrator’s license through the Urban Principals Development Program with Teachers21.

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Altogether, she has taught for 11 years, across 2 states and three districts. Before working in an elementary school setting she was a tutor, a youth worker, Youth Program Coordinator, a mentor, and founder of 3D Boys, a leadership development program for at-risk students. She has worked with children from Kindergarten to 6th grade over the span of the last 20 years, said the press release.

She is also a board member of the Worcester Latino Dollars for Scholars.

Within Framingham, Mandes has experience working with our Dual Language Spanish program as well as with the work associated with the Turnaround Practices.

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As a native Spanish speaker, grounded in strong Puerto Rican roots, she has leveraged language and biculturalism as a way to connect with her LatinX community. Her greatest pride is working with a diverse staff and having the ability to not only educate LatinX students but also provide opportunities for LatinX graduates and educators., said the press release. 

“It is with great gratitude and honor that I accept the responsibility and privilege to serve the Brophy Community and continue the important work of supporting all students and the students in the Dual Language Spanish program. It is with a heavy heart that I leave the Barbieri community, however, my time there has equipped me with the proper tools needed to embark on this new journey. I look forward to cultivating strong relationships with staff, students and their families, and  overall being part of the Brophy Community,” said said in the press release.

Rothwell will be working collaboratively with Mandes, the District, and the recently hired Vice Principal at Brophy Elementary School, Rivera, to establish a transition plan that will support a smooth opening in the fall and a great experience for all the children and families, said the press release.