History

History of Lee Central Elementary School

 

In June 2022, State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced that many in Lee County may never forget.  More than $38 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and state funds were awarded to the Lee County School District to address facility needs while accommodating enrollment trends.  On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, Superintendent Spearman presented the district with the Infrastructure Funding Check to use for the consolidation of a new elementary school.  In attendance were the district’s Board of Trustees, Superintendent Bernard McDaniel, Sr., principals currently serving Dennis, Lower Lee, and West Lee Elementary schools, students from each respective elementary school, district staff, parents, and community members.

 

As the new building was erected, three schools with long histories anticipated its opening. Following a community survey, the new consolidated school would be named Lee Central Elementary School, with gold and black chosen as the school colors, and the colt serving as its mascot.  In July 2025, the Board of Trustees approved Superintendent McDaniel’s recommendation naming LaToya Boyd and Mr. Emanuel Brown, III, Principal and Assistant Principal of Dennis Elementary, as Principal and Assistant Principal of Lee Central Elementary School.  Ready to serve and answer the call, the Colts prepared to enter the building after obtaining approval from the Office of School Facilities.  The servant leaders were joined by an energized inaugural staff representing the former Dennis, Lower Lee, and West Lee Elementary Schools, as well as those who joined the Lee County School District the same school year.  

 

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, families and the community assembled to celebrate a historic moment - Lee Central Elementary School’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, where Board Chair Nathaniel Brunson, Lee County Board of Trustees, Superintendent Bernard McDaniel, Sr., Principal LaToya Boyd, and students cut the ribbon to signify the opening of the school.  During the ceremony, sentiments of community, unity, togetherness, and being a champion for students were echoed by all.  On Monday, August 4, 2025, students and parents shared the excitement of the staff as more than 550 students entered the new school, ready to fulfill the motto, “Excellence is the Standard.” On this same day, a special visit from current State Superintendent Ellen Weaver marked another historic moment for the school.