SANFORD, NC - Lee County Schools officially launched the 2026-2027 school year today by bringing together employees from across the district for its annual Convocation, celebrating a shared commitment to students, staff, and the continued pursuit of excellence.
Centered around the theme “Thrive in Lee,” this year’s Convocation built on the district’s strategic plan introduced last year, shifting the focus from understanding the plan to actively living it every day in classrooms, schools and departments across the district.
The event welcomed teachers, school leaders, support staff, district employees and community partners at Southern Lee High School as school staff prepare to begin a new school year united by a common purpose. Through inspiring messages from the Southern Lee Class of 2026’s Brendon Curry and fourth-grader at J. Glenn Edwards, Blakely Schuster, staff were encouraged to hear the impact they can have on students each day.
Employees were encouraged to embrace the values and the goals outlined in the strategic plan and turn them into meaningful action that supports student success in our local public schools. The district also celebrated exceptional employees by announcing the Teacher of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, and Principal of the Year award winners.
Each award announced at Convocation is selected by their peers. This year’s Teacher of the Year is Scott Fann-Smith from Tramway Elementary, the Assistant Principal of the Year is Jenee Peace from East Lee Middle, and the Principal of the Year is Wendy Perrell from Broadway Elementary. More information on each award winner will be forthcoming in future press releases.
“Thrive in Lee is more than a theme for this school year. It is a commitment to the way we serve our students, support one another, and strengthen our schools and this community,” said Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach, as he addressed the assembled staff. “Together, we are creating a culture where every student, every employee, and every school has the opportunity to thrive.”
As students return to classrooms in the coming days, Lee County Schools looks forward to a year of growth, innovation, and achievement, grounded in the district’s vision and made possible through the dedication of its more than 1000 employees.