By: Lee County Education Foundation
SANFORD — In becoming the inaugural winner of the Ernest and Ruby McSwain Middle School Head of Class prize, principal Natalie Kelly says she and her team at SanLee followed a time-tested formula, one that prior winners of prize utilized at the elementary-school level.
“It was the result of many intentional and strategic actions,” said Kelly, who led the year-over-year academic growth at SanLee Middle School during the 2023-24 school year. “It was no happenstance.”
Kelly — who was promoted to Lee County Schools’ central office staff as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction last June 1 — and SanLee’s faculty and staff, along with new SanLee principal Christian Chaney, were honored with a reception at the school on Tuesday afternoon by the Lee County Education Foundation. In addition to the recognition and a plaque, the school was given a symbolic check for $50,000 by the Foundation and the McSwain WorthyLands Trust. All faculty and staff who were a part of the school’s work last school year share in an incentive that’s based on school size; the actual amount to be distributed is more than $59,500.
Kelly, an 18-year teaching veteran who previously served as principal at J. Glenn Edwards — which was awarded the Education Foundation’s 2023-24 elementary-level Head of Class prize on Jan. 29 — said SanLee’s accomplishment was the result of the use of data-informed instruction and individual student data tracking.
“Teachers and students were focused on growth, and a growth-over-proficiency mindset was embedded into the culture,” she said. “All students were setting goals on their benchmark state exams, and for each exam, the students would analyze their performance and set a new goal to grow in their next exam. This gave students buy-in and ownership of their own performance, and then it boosted their confidence each time they met their growth goal.
Teachers at SanLee were also analyzing student data and student performance and setting growth goals for their classes, she added, emphasizing small group instruction and targeted interventions.
“Teachers, administrators, and the academic coach continuously monitored student performance, grouping students based on their specific needs,” Kelly said. “It was truly a collective commitment to high expectations and excellence — from our teachers, staff, students, and families.”
The Lee County Education Foundation created the “Head of Class” award in 2010 to recognize the most-improved elementary school in Lee County, using a variety of academic measurements to track year-over-year improvement. Earlier this year, in partnership with the McSwain Worthy Lands Trust, LCEF earmarked up to $50,000 to begin annually giving “Head of Class” honors to one of Lee County’s three middle schools as well — West Lee, East Lee or SanLee Middle School.
“The Foundation is delighted to implement Head of Class in the middle schools of Lee County,” said Dennis Wicker, who led the formation of the Foundation in 2003. “We are convinced that healthy competition among these schools will definitely have an impact on enhancing the performance of our students in the middle grades.”
Wicker credited the McSwain Trust for making the competitive award possible, and also gave thanks to LCS Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach and his staff for their cooperation and support.
Dossenbach said the Foundation’s investment in Lee County School has made a lasting impact and continues to contribute to LCS’s mission of educating students and building a brighter future for our community.
“We also want to congratulate SanLee Middle School on this well-deserved recognition as the Head of Class award winner,” Dossenbach said. “SanLee has consistently demonstrated excellence, and this honor is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its incredible staff. This achievement shines a light on what so many of us already know — SanLee is a special place, filled with special people who put students first, make learning engaging, and achieve positive results.”
Former chairman and LCEF board member Kel Normann said the Head of Class project has had a positive influence at the elementary school level, citing the commitment from teachers and staff to working toward the honor.
“This award is a team award that benefits all staff of the winning school, and we have enjoyed seeing the competition, but more importantly, the excitement and pride by the winners,” he said. “We are grateful for the supporters of the Lee County Education Foundation who have helped us provide this new award to the middle schools. We couldn't do it without them."
LCEF Executive Director Wendy Wicker Phillips emceed Tuesday’s event. Foundation Chairman Susan Keller and Chaney also made remarks.
“Being the first middle school to receive the Head of Class Award from the Lee County Education Foundation is a tremendous honor,” said Chaney, a 12-year educator who was formerly assistant principal at Greenwood Elementary. “It affirms the hard work of our entire school community and signals that excellence is possible at every level. For our students, it’s a reminder that they’re part of something great. For our staff, it’s validation that what we’re building together matters. This award wouldn't be possible without the McSwain Foundation’s generosity and LCEF’s unwavering commitment to our schools.”
Kelly said the recognition was an incredible honor and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of SanLee’s students, staff, and teachers.
“Being the first middle school to receive the Head of Class Award highlights the unwavering efforts of our staff to provide high-quality education, our students' perseverance and growth, and the strong support from our families and community,” she said.
Having won the award at both the elementary and middle school levels has been an honor, Chaney added.
“I can say it’s one of the most meaningful recognitions a school can receive. It’s more than a trophy — it’s a catalyst,” Chaney said. “It inspires staff, boosts morale, and reminds our community of what’s possible when we work together. The partnership between the Lee County Education Foundation and LCS, especially through the generosity of the McSwain Foundation, has created a ripple effect that will be felt for years to come. I’m deeply grateful for their belief in our schools.
In offering advice to other education leaders in Lee County, Kelly said they should strive to “lean into your people.”
“Build systems, yes – but also show them that you trust them to be the professionals that they are,” she said. “Encourage innovation, and don’t be afraid to pivot when something isn’t working. That if you put students at the center of every decision, the rest begins to fall into place.”