Leadership
Kecia Ryan
School Principal
Ms. Kecia Ryan has dedicated over 25 years to serving the students and families of Richmond Public Schools. She began her career in education with Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida, and later joined Richmond Public Schools as a middle school English teacher. Over the years, Ms. Ryan advanced into leadership roles, serving first as assistant principal and then as principal of J.L. Francis Elementary School. Throughout her career, she has remained firmly committed to educational equity, believing that all students deserve the support necessary to reach their full potential.
Ms. Ryan holds a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Alabama and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her deep-rooted passion for student success and her unwavering commitment to equity continue to guide her work as a dedicated leader in public education.
Philip Canady
Assistant Principal
Mr. Philip M. Canady, Ed. S. was born and raised in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he still resides. A decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran and lifelong educator, he has dedicated over two decades to teaching, mentoring, and leadership.
He currently serves as Assistant Principal at J.L. Francis Elementary School in Richmond Public Schools, where he is committed to fostering safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments. Guided by the belief that “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” his philosophy emphasizes relationships, student agency, personalized learning, and collaborative growth.
Mr. Canady holds a B.A. in Psychology from Christopher Newport University, an M.S. in Instructional Design from Western Governors University, and an Ed. S. in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.