Ben Franklin Elementary School Home

“Where everyone is inspired and challenged to excel.”
Photo- Kelly Urbani

Message from Principal Urbani

Hello, I’m Kelly Urbani, and I have been Principal of Ben Franklin Elementary School since 2017.  At Ben Franklin, we have a team of dedicated professionals who are devoted to our students and each other. The incredible support we receive from our parents clearly indicates that a high-quality education is valued and supported at the homes in our community. I consider it a privilege to lead a school with such outstanding students, teachers, support staff, custodial team, cafeteria crew, bus drivers, and families!
 
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education from Edinboro State University of Pennsylvania.  I received a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University, and later went on to obtain Principal Certification at their institution. Staying true to my desire to be a lifelong learner, I am currently enrolled at Mount Saint Joseph where I’m working to earn a Reading Science Certificate.  
 
Prior to Ben Franklin Elementary, I worked as a primary teacher with Temecula Valley Unified School District in the state of California.  I made the decision to move back home and was lucky enough to become a 1st Grade teacher at my alma mater - Ligonier Valley School District.  I later became an Assistant Elementary School Principal at neighboring Marion Center Area before landing at Indiana Area School District.   
 
Ben Franklin is a vibrant learning community with dedicated, professional staff committed to making our school an exceptional place to learn and work together. I love being in classrooms and interacting with students as they learn new concepts or tackle a project together. I also thoroughly enjoy learning and growing with our staff as we work to provide the best school experience possible for our students.
 
Outside of school, I love reading, baking, walking our Golden Retriever, and spending time with my wonderful family.  I enjoy visiting my children, Dominic and Mia, who are attending college at Allegheny and John Carroll University. 
I would be happy to share more information or answer any questions about Ben Franklin Elementary. Thank you for visiting our website!
 
Every time I walk through the doors of our school, I think “It’s a great day to be a Ben Franklin Hero!” 
 
Kelly Urbani, Principal

In the News

Event information with xmas tree and lights

Holiday Happenings 2023 - Indiana County

The Lucy Donnelly Memorial Fund Light-Up Night & Holiday Kickoff Parade will be on Friday, November 17th at IRMC Park & Philadelphia Street in downtown Indiana. Check out the attached flyers for all the scheduled events and activities!
Avery Schneider - Invention Convention National Champion!

National Champion!

East Pike student Avery Schneider won 1st Place in the 3rd Grade Division at the National Competition of the Invention Convention! He also won the top prize for all K-12 students who entered in the Innovation in Education category! We are so proud of Avery and his incredible work! Congratulations!
Free and reduced lunch applications

Free and Reduced Lunch Applications

Please read the article to learn more about the ending of the free lunch waiver program decision made by Congress and what you can do to apply for free/reduced breakfast/lunch options.
School news tab

Staying Connected with IASD

Please read the article for some gentle reminders on how you can stay connected to the news and events happening at IASD!

Upcoming Events