Lee County Schools -

West Lee and SanLee Middle Schools have been selected to participate in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a five-year, $25 million school improvement program focused on enhancing academic outcomes and career readiness for middle school students across North Carolina. The initiative is led by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation and in partnership with Marzano Resources. 

The pair of Lee County Schools will receive $2.1 million dollars over the course of the grant. Both schools will join different cohorts of 15 schools across the state receiving intensive support to implement innovative instructional strategies, with a strong emphasis on mathematics and career development. 

“We are dedicated to improving the outcomes for all students across our district. That is why we are so excited to have the opportunity to participate in a transformative and innovative opportunity like the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative,“ said Dr. Chris Dossenbach, Superintendent of Lee County Schools. “This program will provide an infusion of resources, focus, and energy that we are confident will strengthen our instructional practices, build staff capacity and provide our students with high-quality learning experiences in our local public middle schools.” 

Dr. Dossenbach also expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts that made this opportunity possible. “I am especially grateful for the work and commitment demonstrated by both school and district leadership throughout this process. Aimee Petrarca, Christian Chaney, Dr. Natalie Kelly, and Ricky Secor should be applauded for their hard work in making this a reality for our students.”

As part of the Transformative Schools (TS) Cohort, West Lee will benefit from focused coaching and support. This includes implementation of the Marzano High Reliability Schools Framework, math curriculum resources, instructional coaching and career development resources tailored to meet the unique needs of West Lee’s students and staff. 

As part of the Personalized, Competency-Based Education (PCBE) Cohort, SanLee will benefit from focused coaching and support. This includes implementation of the Competency-Based Education Model and career development resources geared to meet the individualized needs of SanLee’s students and staff while challenging them to reach higher goals.

“The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is a powerful first step toward our goal of ensuring that North Carolina’s public schools are the best in the nation,” said North Carolina State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. “By investing in middle school math instruction – especially in our rural and economically challenged communities – we are building a foundation that prepares every student for college, careers and lifelong community engagement.”

The selection process was highly competitive and included a rigorous application and interview process that involved key school and district leaders. 

“Golden LEAF is proud to fund this bold, collaborative effort to improve student outcomes and build a stronger future for our state,” said Scott T. Hamilton, President and CEO of the Golden LEAF Foundation. “By investing in middle schools through research-based strategies and intensive support, we are not only strengthening academic achievement in critical areas like math but laying the groundwork for career readiness and long-term economic vitality in North Carolina’s rural communities.”

For more information about the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative visit the Golden LEAF Schools' website.