The premier independent preschool to eighth grade school in Buffalo, NY.
Announcing Elmwood Franklin's
16th Head of School
Johnathan Maxwell Letcher, Elmwood Franklin School's 16th Head of School
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Head of School Search Committee, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Johnathan Maxwell Letcher as the next Head of School at Elmwood Franklin School, effective July 1, 2026. This decision follows an enthusiastic recommendation from the Search Committee and a unanimous Board vote. We conducted a nationwide search for a leader who advances excellence, fosters belonging, and provides clear strategic direction. Johnathan stood out for his authentic, relationship-centered leadership, proven ability to empower faculty and students, and commitment to continuous improvement. His focus on mission clarity, accountability, and joyful rigor aligns well with EFS’s values and goals. Introducing Our Next Head of School Johnathan Letcher has over twenty years of experience in public, international, and independent schools, serving as a teacher, principal, deputy superintendent, and head of school. As a second-generation educator, he is recognized as a servant leader who “listens, reflects, then acts,” fostering environments where adults are empowered, and students are valued. As Head of School at Summers-Knoll School in Ann Arbor, Johnathan led the transition from a co-op to a mission-driven independent school. He established academic standards, implemented norm-referenced assessments, improved family communication, and enhanced teaching practices. The school expanded access, increased full-pay enrollment, and stabilized faculty retention. Working with trustees, he also facilitated a strategic merger with a local 6–12 school to ensure long-term stability for students and staff. Previously, as Head of School at the American School of Creative Science in Dubai, he doubled enrollment in one year, achieved early full NEASC accreditation, and introduced programs that integrated creativity, problem-solving, and academic rigor, earning national recognition. As a public school principal in the Seattle area, Johnathan’s school received state and national recognition for accelerated student growth, including among multilingual learners, while fostering a safe, collaborative culture. As Deputy Superintendent in Massachusetts and School Improvement Officer in Washington, D.C., he led district-wide instructional improvements, managed budgets, and advanced student support initiatives based on evidence and equity. Throughout his career, Johnathan has been valued for empowering others through clear communication, establishing shared goals, and promoting collaboration. References describe him as organized, forward-thinking, and relational. He seeks feedback, addresses complex issues directly and respectfully, and consistently prioritizes students and teachers in every decision. Our Comprehensive Search Process After announcing our leadership transition last winter, the Board formed a diverse Head of School Search Committee and partnered with Carney, Sandoe & Associates. Over several months, the committee engaged faculty, staff, families, alumni, and trustees through listening sessions and surveys to develop a leadership profile that reflects EFS’s mission and aspirations. The committee reviewed applicants nationwide, conducted several rounds of interviews, and invited top finalists to campus visits. Thoughtful and consistent community feedback was essential throughout the process. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed; your partnership helped achieve an excellent outcome for Elmwood Franklin. Looking Ahead We are confident that Johnathan’s vision, integrity, and collaborative approach will strengthen EFS’s foundation and deepen our commitment to joyful, rigorous teaching and a supportive community where every student is known and challenged. A Transition Committee will welcome Johnathan to Buffalo and the EFS community and coordinate opportunities for families, students, faculty, staff, and alumni to meet him in the coming months. We want to thank Dr. Randy Needlman for his steady leadership as Interim Head of School. Johnathan will work closely with Randy, school leadership, and the Board to ensure a smooth transition. As Board Chair, I am excited for the future. Elmwood Franklin thrives when we unite around our mission and our students. With Johnathan’s leadership and our community’s partnership, our future is bright. With appreciation, 
Victor Filadora
President, Board of Trustees |
Search Committee
Head of School Search Communications
To ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition, a small onboarding team has been formed to support Johnathan Lectcher in the months ahead. This group will coordinate opportunities for connection across our community and engage additional members to foster broad, meaningful participation throughout the transition process. If you have questions or ideas to help welcome Johnathan, please feel free to reach out to any transition team members. Transition Team Johnathan Letcher Incoming Head of School Moira Lewis Director of Development Brian Lipke Vice President, Board of Trustees Helen Marlette ‘73 Secretary, Board of Trustees Marina O'Donnell Board Member Faculty Subcommittee Chairs Tamara Bingel Spanish Teacher Christine Marth Fourth Grade Teacher Margot Vincent Beginners Lead Teacher Parent Subcommittee Chair Sabina Behr Parent Council President |
From Our Incoming Head of School
To the Elmwood Franklin Community,
I am deeply honored and genuinely excited to join the Elmwood Franklin School community as your next Head of School. From my very first interactions, my wife and I were struck by the warmth, dedication, and sense of belonging that radiate throughout EFS. Teachers, parents, trustees, and most importantly, students all share a clear devotion to the school’s enduring legacy and promising future.
When one trustee shared that she chose to live in Buffalo because of EFS, and another noted that all four of his children attended the school, I understood that EFS’s strength is built upon an unwavering commitment to students and their families. I feel privileged to support and help lead this exceptional community into its next chapter.
Because I live close enough to visit Buffalo often, I look forward to connecting with many of you well before the 2026–27 school year begins. Naturally, with any leadership transition, there may be questions about what changes lie ahead. My goal is to honor and strengthen the many wonderful programs that make EFS special, while collaborating with you to identify and enhance areas for growth.
Throughout the 2025–26 school year, I will work closely with the Trustees, Randy, and the faculty and staff to ensure a seamless, thoughtful transition. My guiding purpose is for our students and families to continue experiencing EFS as a place where academic excellence and a nurturing environment thrive hand in hand.
I am truly eager to serve this extraordinary community and look forward to meeting each of you soon.
Be well,
To the Elmwood Franklin Community,
I am deeply honored and genuinely excited to join the Elmwood Franklin School community as your next Head of School. From my very first interactions, my wife and I were struck by the warmth, dedication, and sense of belonging that radiate throughout EFS. Teachers, parents, trustees, and most importantly, students all share a clear devotion to the school’s enduring legacy and promising future.
When one trustee shared that she chose to live in Buffalo because of EFS, and another noted that all four of his children attended the school, I understood that EFS’s strength is built upon an unwavering commitment to students and their families. I feel privileged to support and help lead this exceptional community into its next chapter.
Because I live close enough to visit Buffalo often, I look forward to connecting with many of you well before the 2026–27 school year begins. Naturally, with any leadership transition, there may be questions about what changes lie ahead. My goal is to honor and strengthen the many wonderful programs that make EFS special, while collaborating with you to identify and enhance areas for growth.
Throughout the 2025–26 school year, I will work closely with the Trustees, Randy, and the faculty and staff to ensure a seamless, thoughtful transition. My guiding purpose is for our students and families to continue experiencing EFS as a place where academic excellence and a nurturing environment thrive hand in hand.
I am truly eager to serve this extraordinary community and look forward to meeting each of you soon.
Be well,
Johnathan Maxwell Letcher
Incoming Head of School
Incoming Head of School