Lee County Schools - Learners become Leaders

Our Mission

Lee County Schools will provide a safe and supportive environment where all students are held to high standards and equipped to reach their full potential and thrive in their future endeavors.

Our Vision

Lee County Schools, In partnership with the community, will provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment that fosters each student's academic, personal, and social growth. We are committed to providing innovative learning opportunities that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. We will drive student achievement and continuous improvement by attracting and supporting top educators through a positive, collaborative work culture. Our success will be measured by student growth, future readiness, and our students' positive contributions to society.

Our District Plan

To access Lee County School's District plan utilize the following website, username, and password: Indistar.org UN: GuestD5154 PW: GuestD5154

Quick Facts

Location: Sanford, North Carolina

Number of Schools: 17

Number of Students: 9,170 (2024-2025)

Average Class Size (23-24) (State Avg. in Parenthesis)

  • Kindergarten: 15 (17)

  • First Grade: 14 (16)

  • Second Grade: 15 (16)

  • Third Grade: 13 (16)

  • Fourth Grade: 14 (21)

  • Fifth Grade: 13 (22)

  • Sixth Grade: 17 (21)

  • Seventh Grade: 15 (20)

  • Eighth Grade: 16 (20)

Superintendent Dossenbach reads to a group of third grade students at Tramway Elementary

A note from Dr. Chris Dossenbach, Superintendent of Lee County Schools

Dear Lee County Schools Community,


It is a great honor and privilege to serve as your Superintendent. As a lifelong resident of Sanford and a proud product of Lee County Schools, I am deeply committed to the success and growth of our district.

After graduating from Lee County High School, I pursued my passion for education at North Carolina State University, earning a Bachelor's degree in English. My journey led me back to the classroom, where I dedicated many years teaching English Language Arts. Inspired by a desire to enact broader change, I pursued a Master's in School Administration from North Carolina State University, eventually transitioning to leadership roles within our district.

Having served as Principal at Southern Lee High School for six years and later as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Instruction, I am steadfast in my belief that every student possesses the potential to excel at a high level. I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where both students and educators can thrive.

In my role as Superintendent, I am dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders, including parents, businesses, and community leaders. Together, we will continue to build upon the rich traditions of Lee County Schools while embracing innovation and progress.

I am blessed to be supported by my wife, Daysi, and our two children, Jackson and Lucas, who inspire me each day to strive for excellence.  I look forward to working with each of you as we embark on this journey of academic achievement and growth.

Warm regards,

Chris Dossenbach

Superintendent

Our Values

Kid taking notes in class

Accountability & Growth

We are committed to ongoing academic, personal, and professional growth by setting high standards for teaching, learning, and leadership, with all stakeholders taking responsibility for our individual and collective efforts to ensure positive outcomes for every student.

Kid interacting with School Resource officer

Safety & Security

We foster a safe, supportive environment that promotes the physical and mental well-being of all members of our school community.

Kids put their hand in the middle of a student huddle

Integrity & Respect

We respect every individual's dignity and value through positive words and actions, responsible decisions, and fostering trust by acting transparently and consistently, inspiring our school community to do what is right, even in tough situations.

Students getting ready for graduation in cap and gown

Resilience & Grit

We cultivate the strength, enduring enthusiasm, and perseverance to overcome challenges, stay disciplined, adapt to change, and remain focused on long-term goals, seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth and thriving in any environment.

OUR SCHOOLS

Contact Us

  • 106 Gordon Street, Sanford, NC 27330

  • Phone: (919) 774-6226

Follow on Social Media

Non-Discrimination Disclosure

In compliance with federal law, Lee County Schools administers all locally operated educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability, or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law.

Inquiries or complaints regarding discrimination issues should be directed to:

Stacie Eggers, Assistant Superintendent-Operations
Lee County Schools
PO Box 1010
Sanford, NC 27331-1010
919.774.6226 (phone); 919.776.4954 (fax)