BROADWAY, NC - Lee County Schools has named Wendy Perrell, principal of Broadway Elementary School, as the district’s Principal of the Year for 2026-2027.
Perrell was recognized for her leadership, commitment to students and staff, and the role she has played in helping transform the culture and academic momentum at Broadway Elementary.
“I was definitely shocked as Dr. Dossenbach was reading out all the traits and qualities for this particular person. I never expected it to be me,” Perrell said, describing the moment she found out she had been voted to the award by her peer principals during Convocation. “I was very honored, but really my first thought was about Broadway. Yes, I walked up there. Yes, the award has my name on it. But the recognition goes to my team, the team in this building.”
Lee County Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach praised Perrell’s impact on the school.
“The role of principal is incredibly important. A principal helps shape the culture of a school. They set expectations, build trust, support teachers, encourage students and lead through celebration and challenges,” Dossenbach said. “In just a few short years, Mrs. Perrell has helped transform the feeling, focus, and academic momentum of Broadway Elementary. We are incredibly proud of her work.”
Under Perrell’s leadership, Broadway Elementary earned the Head of Class Award for the first time in school history and made significant gains in proficiency and growth on state testing.
“We have definitely turned our proficiency and growth scores around, and those were really big milestones for the staff,” Perrell explained. “It has shown them that they can accomplish anything.”
Perrell said those gains have also strengthened student morale and community support. She credits the school’s progress to a staff that prioritizes relationships, high expectations, and making students feel valued and supported.
“This role is all about building relationships,” Perrell said. “This school is so deeply ingrained in this community. Generation after generation come back to this school. I have a fifth-generation student that just started Kindergarten last week.”
“Sometimes families just don’t know where to start,” Perrell noted, highlighting the role that Broadway Elementary plays in the small community that often extends beyond academics. “Sometimes they need resources for financial literacy, social and emotional support for students, or connections to outside resources for mental or physical health. Whatever the need, when they come here, we’re committed to not only supporting the child while they are at school, but to helping them access the community resources that are available to help the family and children thrive.”
Perrell reflected on the strength of the Broadway school community, and she believes that it comes from a shared commitment to students.
“We celebrate together. We struggle together. We problem-solve together. We’re a family. We just keep showing up everyday for our kids,” she smiled. “When we say, ‘We are Broadway,’ we really mean that. We are a great community serving kids everyday.”