Lee County School District opens new consolidated elementary school

BISHOPVILLE - Lee County School District announces the opening of the new Lee Central Elementary School for the 2025-26 academic year. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped to accommodate in excess of 800 students and will serve as a hub of innovative and engaging learning. The school consolidates students and staff from Dennis Elementary School, Lower Lee Elementary School and West Lee Elementary School, creating a vibrant learning community of approximately 690 students in 4K through fifth grade, including Pre-K through 5th grade Special Education.

On Tuesday, July 22, the school received its Certificate of Occupancy from the South Carolina Department of Education's Office of School Facilities after a final inspection conducted by state and local fire marshals and OSF the previous Friday.

Lee County School Superintendent Bernard McDaniel Sr. said, "The new Lee Central Elementary School embodies the district's mission to provide a safe, engaging, and future-ready learning environment for all students. It will serve as a state-of-the-art learning center dedicated to academic excellence and student growth. This new facility will be a cornerstone for educational success in our community."

LaToya Boyd will serve as the principal of Lee Central Elementary School. Boyd, a Bishopville native and salutatorian of the Bishopville High School Class of 1996, brings 25 years of educational experience. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Clemson University (2000), a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Piedmont College (2005) and an Educational Specialist degree from Georgia State University (2015). Known as a results-driven instructional leader, Boyd fosters teamwork and positive relationships. Her previous roles include assistant principal, literacy coach, Early Intervention Program team leader and classroom teacher. She completed Gwinnett County Public Schools' principal preparation program in 2018.

Emanuel Brown III, a native of Timmonsville, South Carolina, will serve as assistant principal. Brown began his career in Lee County School District as a social studies teacher at Lee Central Middle School on Aug. 15, 2012, and was honored as the district's Teacher of the Year for the 2016-2017 school year.

Promoted to assistant principal on July 1, 2017, he has served at Lee Central Middle School and Dennis Elementary School. With 15 years of experience, Brown's responsibilities have included operations, facility management, student discipline, testing coordination and ADEPT evaluations. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in History from Francis Marion University (2010) and earned his administrative certification from Columbia College in 2014.

The new school's mascot will be the Colts, and its colors will be black and gold, symbolizing unity and school spirit for students and staff alike. Lee County School District looks forward to welcoming students and families to Lee Central Elementary School on Aug. 4.

Superintendent Bernard McDaniel Sr. shared his enthusiasm for the opening of Lee Central Elementary School, stating, "This state-of-the-art school represents a major investment in the future of Lee County. We are proud to provide our students with a modern, safe and inspiring learning environment that meets the needs of 21st-century learners."

McDaniel added, "I am confident in the leadership of Ms. LaToya Boyd and Mr. Emanuel Brown III. Their dedication, experience and commitment to excellence make them the ideal team to guide Lee Central Elementary School into this exciting new chapter. Our students and staff are in exceptional hands."

An open house has been scheduled for Thursday, July 31, from 4 until 6 p.m. Additionally, a ribbon-cutting ceremony has been planned for Sunday, Aug. 3, at 3 p.m.

"This new school construction represents months of collaboration, hard work and dedication. I am especially grateful to MB Kahn Construction, LLC for its commitment to excellence and for ensuring that we remain on schedule to welcome our students," McDaniel said in a news release about the certificate for occupancy. "I, along with our entire community of educators, also extend appreciation to the South Carolina Department of Education's Office of School Facilities and all partners involved in making this project a success."