SANFORD, NC - Lee County Schools is proud to announce the successful completion of the first Leaders in Lee cohort, a two-year leadership development program designed to cultivate and support teacher-leaders across the district.
Originally launched as a one-year pilot initiative, Leaders in Lee quickly evolved into a robust two-year experience that brought together 14 outstanding educators representing schools across the district. The program reflects Lee County Schools’ commitment to growing leadership capacity from within and investing in the people who serve students every day.
“What began as a one-year pilot program designed to grow and support future leaders within our schools quickly evolved into a meaningful two-year experience that brought together some of our best and brightest,” said Dr. Chris Dossenbach, Superintendent of Lee County Schools.
“The purpose of Leaders in Lee was to invest in teacher leaders in our schools who believe in high expectations for students, demonstrate personal accountability, and resilience,” Dossenbach said. “By fostering collaboration, innovation, and resilience, Leaders in Lee has helped equip these leaders with the tools needed to navigate challenges, create solutions, and leave a lasting impact on our schools and community.”
Participants were nominated by their principals and selected through an application process. Over the course of two years, cohort members met monthly at the Central Office to engage in professional development focused on leadership growth. Sessions included book studies, problem-solving activities, role-playing exercises, personality assessments, and discussions centered on real-world leadership scenarios. Participants also heard from district leaders, Central Office staff, and current and former superintendents.
“This program, through the leadership of our Superintendent, has done exactly what we want to do in our mission statement - growing leaders,” said Vicki Haislip, one of the program coordinators.
The impact of the program is already evident. Of the 14 participants:
One has already earned an administrative degree.
One is currently enrolled in the NC State University Administrator Preparation Program and will begin her internship in the fall.
Two additional participants have ben accepted into the same program and will begin classes this summer.
One participant is enrolled in another university’s administrator preparation program.
Haislip noted that several cohort members discovered they want to continue leading from within their current school roles rather than pursue administrative positions.
“Not everyone desires to be a principal or an assistant principal, but our schools are in dire need of leaders at every level,” Haislip said. “We embrace that and we are there to support our leaders through every step of this process.”
For participant Jordan Edwards, a special education teacher at Tramway Elementary School, the experience offered a deeper understanding of district leadership and reinforced her pride in Lee County Schools.
“One of the most impactful parts of this experience was the authenticity and transparency of the leadership team,” Edwards said. “Dr. Dossenbach even hosted - more than one time - an “Ask Me Anything” session where no question was off-limits.”
“As part of my coursework at NC State, I have visited many district and schools in neighboring areas, and those visits have only reinforced something I already knew to be true - Lee County Schools are special because their people matter,” Edwards explained.
Cherice Washington-McClure, AVID elective teacher and program lead at Lee County High School said the program transformed her understanding of leadership.
“Leadership is not about authority. It is about influence, service, and impact,” Washington-McClure said.
“Leaders in Lee did more than just teach leadership practices. It cultivated confidence, inspired reflection, and reminded us that leadership rooted in compassion and purpose can truly transform school communities.”
Dr. Dossenbach credited the program’s success to the leadership of Vicki Haislip and Cindy McCormick.
“I want to take a moment to thank Mrs. Vicki Haislip and Mrs. Cindy McCormick for their leadership, guidance and dedication in overseeing this program,” Dossenbach said. “Their work helped shape this experience into something that was truly meaningful and amazing for our district. When you see a picture of this group, I truly believe that you are looking at the reason there is a bright future for Lee County Schools.”
2024-2026 Leaders in Lee Cohort Members
Kayla Warren - W.B. Wicker Elementary
Matt Charles - Southern Lee High
Jordan Edwards - Tramway Elementary
Kirby Forbes - Lee County High
Jessica Gross - SanLee Middle
Kelsey Harrison - Greenwood Elementary
Amanda Holmes - Tramway Elementary
Christina Orellana - W.B. Wicker Elementary
Dee Prince - Lee County High
Katlynn Roberts - Southern Lee High
Eliza Spruiell - W.B. Wicker Elementary
Ryan Stutts - W.B. Wicker Elemetnary
Cherice Washington-McClure - Lee County High
Shannon Willaert - Lee Early College
Leaders in Lee is part of Lee County Schools’ ongoing commitment to developing exceptional educators and ensuring a strong leadership pipeline dedicated to student success.