SANFORD, NC – When students and staff return to West Lee Middle School to begin the 2024-2025 school year, they will be greeted by long-time Lee County Schools educator and veteran principal, Aimee Petrarca, who is moving from W.B. Wicker Elementary School to lead the middle school.
Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach made the announcement today following the decision by West Lee Middle principal Jamie Cox to leave the district at the end of the school year to pursue an opportunity that takes her closer to her home and family in Chatham County.
In announcing the administrative change, Dossenbach touted Petrarca’s extensive experience and long record of academic success. “Mrs. Petrarca comes with an impressive background in education, having dedicated her entire career to serving the students of Lee County. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and administrative experience, along with a proven track record of fostering academic success. I am confident that her passion for education and commitment to our students will greatly benefit the West Lee school community,” he said.
Petrarca, a Lee County native, joined Lee County Schools in 1998 and taught at both Warren Williams Primary and B.T. Bullock Elementary Schools. In 2010, she moved into administration at Greenwood Elementary, serving as both an assistant principal and principal until her appointment in 2020 as principal of W.B. Wicker Elementary School.
As she looks forward to her new administrative role, Petrarca said, “I have been blessed to learn and grow as an educator in several Lee County Schools over the years. Throughout my 26-year career, I have learned valuable lessons that I try to apply to school leadership and culture. I am excited to share those experiences with the outstanding team at West Lee Middle School to ensure parents and students share our belief that Lee County Schools – and West Lee in particular -- is the best option for students to achieve academic success and thrive in their educational career.”
Following final approval by the Lee County Board of Education at their May meeting, the transition in leadership at West Lee Middle School will take place in June. A replacement for Petrarca at W.B. Wicker Elementary will be announced in the coming weeks.