SANFORD - Deep River Elementary Schools Assistant Principal Elayne Monjar has been chosen by her peers as the 2025 Lee County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year. District leaders surprised Monjar with the announcement during a staff meeting following the school day on Monday.
Monjar is now in her second year as Assistant Principal at Deep River after coming over from SanLee Middle School where she served in the same role. She is known for her positive attitude, compassion and creativity.
Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach highlighted Monjar’s exceptional support to her students and staff saying, “Elayne Monjar is a quiet but powerful leader whose influence is felt in every corner of her school.” He added, “She leads with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to putting students and staff first. Elayne treats everyone with dignity and respect. She is truly deserving of this recognition as Lee County’s Assistant Principal of the Year.”
For those that know her, it was no surprise that she was scurrying into the staff meeting where the announcement of her selection was being made, hurrying back into the school after picking up a bus route and delivering kids back home from their school day. If there is a need or a gap to be filled, that’s where you will find this dedicated servant leader.
“I love supporting students, staff, and families every day to make them successful and help them thrive in school,” highlighted Monjar. “After working in all three educational levels from elementary to high school, I know the impact each grade level has on students. So I strive to help in any way that I can, so our students and staff can get their “job” done each school day, whether that is teaching or learning.”
Monjar has worked in the district since 2013 when she started at Lee County High School. In 2022, she made her way to serving as an assistant principal at SanLee Middle before switching into the elementary ranks at Deep River to begin the 2024 school year. Those who have served alongside her know first hand the impact she makes daily on a school community.
“Being named Assistant Principal of the Year is a well-deserved honor for Mrs. Monjar” said Dr. Natalie Kelly, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, who was the principal at SanLee Middle during Monjar’s time there. “Her warm presence, meticulous organization, and attention to detail inspire everyone around her as she does whatever it takes to serve her school.”
A testament to the impact and connections she is known for, fellow assistant principals from SanLee turned friends, Christina Reed and Arlene Winters both made the trip up to Deep River to see this award presented in person.
“I am so thankful to be chosen by my peers for this honor,” said Monjar. “I work with many great leaders from whom I have learned much from. I would not be the assistant principal that I am today without their leadership, guidance, support, and mentorship. Although we are all at different campuses across this district, we support one another every day. So I am thankful that we have each other’s backs and can celebrate with one another!”