SANFORD, NC - Lee County Schools celebrated a bittersweet retirement as Dr. Caroline “Carol” Chappell, the Executive Director of Community Partnerships & Student Risk Management is stepping away from the district after more than 45 years of service to the students and families of Lee County.
On her final day in the office, Dr. Chappell was surprised with the announcement that the Assembly Room at Central Office will bear her name going forward. Thanks to the Lee County Schools action, the room has been named the Dr. Carol Chappell Professional Development Suite in honor of her commitment to continued improvement and learning for all educators.
“It is very, very humbling. It is something that I never thought about. I’m just totally honored,” said Dr. Chappell. “It was a great surprise today,” she admitted, blushing a bit through the announcement of this well-deserved honor.
Dr. Chris Dossenbach, Superintendent of Lee County Schools, made the announcement today in front of a small crowd in the newly dubbed, Chappell Professional Development Suite. He said, “This afternoon, we reflect on your extraordinary career, and we look to the future - a future that will carry your legacy forward.” He added, “Your fingerprints are on so many parts of this district: the policies you’ve helped shape, the initiatives you’ve championed, and, most importantly, the people you have mentored. Your wisdom has been a beacon for all of us, and your dedication has been a constant source of inspiration.
“It has been wonderful for me,” explained Chappell, “when you are excited to get up everyday and go to work because you feel like you are helping children, that really is the greatest blessing of all. When they are learning and you see things taking place, it really is the job of a lifetime. I’m very pleased with all of the kids, all of the staff. I’m just really proud of everyone in our school district.”
Chappell was instrumental in helping the district shift toward a data-driven approach to reading and early grades education. She worked tirelessly with principals and district directors to implement plans and strategies that helped make targeted improvements at each Lee County school.
“I think the things I did with teachers, principals and other directors over the years, looking at data and coming up with ideas and a plan to improve each school, is really what makes me the most proud,” noted Chappell. “We’d see great results and doing that again and again with so many different things was just really rewarding.”
As a closing challenge and encouragement, she said, “For every teacher, for every staff member, for every central office person, to everyone in the schools, just keep doing what you are doing - because it does pay off, it does make a difference.”