Meet our Principals

Meet our Principal- Msr. julie guest:

Dear Benjamin Franklin Students and Families,

It is my great honor to introduce myself as your new principal at Benjamin Franklin Elementary. Ben Franklin has an exceptional reputation as a school with extraordinary staff, engaged families, and students who thrive. I feel fortunate to be joining such a strong and caring school community.

A little about me until we get a chance to meet in person. I was raised in Redmond and went through the Lake Washington School District myself. I have spent my entire 29-year career working in LWSD, serving in many roles including classroom teacher, science specialist, Full-Time Quest teacher, associate principal, and most recently as principal at Samantha Smith Elementary.

I am passionate about education and believe strongly that when students feel known, valued, and connected, they are willing to take risks, persevere through challenges, and reach their full potential. One of my favorite parts of being a principal is spending time in classrooms, talking with students about their learning, and partnering with teachers to create engaging and meaningful experiences. I look forward to partnering with the incredible Franklin family community — celebrating achievements and navigating challenges together. When we work together in support of students, the sky is the limit.

On a personal note, my husband and I have two adult sons who live and work in the Seattle area. We enjoy traveling, boating, walking our dog, and spending time together as a family. As we begin this next chapter, I look forward to listening, learning, and getting to know the students, staff, families, and traditions that make Ben Franklin such a special place. Together, we will continue supporting students as they learn, grow, and thrive.

I look forward to meeting each of you soon!

Warmly,

Julie Guest

Principal, Franklin Elementary

Meet our Associate Principal- Mrs.Katherine Massart:

A smiling woman in a blue floral dress waves her hand in front of a textured white wall.

My name is Katie Massart and I am your new Associate Principal at Franklin Elementary. This is beyond an honor, and to say I am excited is an understatement!

For the past few years I have served as a school counselor at Samantha Smith Elementary School here in the Lake Washington School District and before this, I was a behavior therapist for children with disabilities. Education is in my blood, my mom has been a teacher for over 30 years and I knew from a young age I wanted to follow in her footsteps.

My administrative internship experience was also at Samantha Smith under the mentorship of Jamie Warner, as well as interning at Timberline Middle School under the mentorship of Heidi Paul.

I am passionate about service and support. Relationships are my number one priority, and it is important to me that everyone within our community feels a sense of belonging, empowerment, and value. I am committed to the important work of ensuring a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment that supports the whole child.

Partnership is my goal each and every day. I am thrilled to be joining the incredible family that I know Franklin is, and serving you all along side Mr. Buechler.