Hello Lee County,
Check out the latest edition of our April NEWSLTR, now available! Stay up to date on all the exciting things happening , including upcoming events, community highlights, and important updates you won't want to miss.
To our students, staff, families, and community,
It is with great pride and gratitude that I share an important milestone in the history of the Lee County School District. On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the State Board of Education voted unanimously to return our district to local control. This decision reflects the tremendous effort, resilience, and commitment demonstrated across our schools by so many dedicated individuals.
We also extend appreciation for the appointment of our Advisory Board members, who will now serve as the local governing board for our district:
Dr. Yalonda Lemon
Ms. Kristi Wilson
Pastor Carl Bledsoe
Dr. Kellee Farris
Mr. Kelly Reddick
Each of these individuals brings valuable experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to the success of our students and schools. While this is a moment worth celebrating, it is also important that we remain focused on the work ahead. We are not yet where we need to be, and we are not yet where we want to be. This return to local control is not the finish line, it is the next best step forward in our ongoing journey of improvement and excellence.
I am incredibly proud of what has been accomplished throughout this process. Our students have continued to learn and grow, our staff has remained committed and resilient, and our community has stood strong through challenges and change. However, I am not satisfied just yet. There is still more work to do, and we must continue to push forward with purpose and urgency.
As Superintendent, I look forward to working closely with our new Advisory Board as we move together toward greater achievement for every student in the Lee County School District. Beginning immediately, the regular board meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Lee High School, located at 523 Forest Ave., Marianna, AR 72360.
Thank you for your continued support, dedication, and belief in our schools. Together, we will continue building something stronger for our students and our community.
Message from the Superintendent’s Office
Dear Students, Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
While the recent millage proposal did not pass, our commitment to the students and families of our district remains unchanged. Our mission has always been—and will continue to be—to do what is best for our students and our community.
I want to sincerely thank our parents, staff, and students for the incredible effort, dedication, and support you showed throughout this process. Your passion for our schools and your belief in the future of our children did not go unnoticed. The conversations, advocacy, and hard work demonstrated just how deeply this community cares about education.
Although this outcome is not what we hoped for, it does not change our determination. We will continue moving forward with the same focus and resolve to provide the best education possible for every student we serve. Our students deserve opportunities, safe learning environments, and the resources needed to prepare them for the future—and we will not give up on pursuing what is necessary to make that happen.
Our district has always been resilient, and together we will continue working, planning, and seeking ways to strengthen our schools and support our community. I remain grateful for the partnership we share and for the trust you place in our schools.
Thank you for standing with our students and believing in the importance of public education.
With appreciation and continued commitment,
Dr. Micheal Stone
Superintendent
Lee County School District
Please find the approved 2026-2027 school calendar attached. In collaboration with students, parents, and staff, we have developed a schedule designed to better support our entire community. You can find the full document on the website under the calendar tab.
Key highlights include:
Streamlined Schedule: Early release days have been reduced to once per month.
Extended Summer: School will now begin in early August, allowing for a longer summer break.
Early Summer Wrap-up: Classes will conclude before the Memorial Day holiday.
Built-in Flexibility: The calendar includes nine inclement weather (snow) days.
Academic Focus: We have increased instructional time leading up to the summative testing window to better support student achievement.
Thank you for being a vital part of our district’s success.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stone
We are so ready to get students back to school. Thanks to community support and staff the School District will be OPEN tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Dr. Stone
We are so ready to get students back to school but due to continued icy road and campus sites all schools and offices within the Lee County School District will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
The safety of our students, bus drivers, and staff is our highest priority. Many secondary roads and school sites are still hazardous. Sorry for any inconvenience. We are hoping the rain tomorrow will help us with our ice problem.
Dr. Stone
Due to continued icy road and campus sites all schools and offices within the Lee County School District will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 2, 2026.
The safety of our students, bus drivers, and staff is our highest priority. Many secondary roads and school sites are still hazardous. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Dr. Stone
Due to icy road conditions and the forecast for more freezing temperatures, all schools and offices within the Lee County School District will be closed tomorrow, Friday, January 30, 2026.
The safety of our students, bus drivers, and staff is our highest priority. Many secondary roads are still hazardous for travel. We cannot get a break in this weather. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Dr. Stone
The safety of our students, bus drivers, and staff is our highest priority. Current assessments indicate that many secondary roads are still hazardous for travel.
The safety of our students, bus drivers, and staff is our highest priority. Current assessments indicate that many secondary roads and bridges remain hazardous for travel.
I hope you are staying warm and safe during this inclement weather. Safety is one of our top priorities; therefore, the Lee County School District will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026 due to extreme weather conditions.
Be safe,
Dr. Stone
As we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our entire school community for a wonderful first half of the year. Your hard work, support, and partnership make our district a special place to learn and grow.
I hope the upcoming break brings you time to rest, celebrate, and enjoy moments with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the new year.
Wishing you a safe, joyful holiday season and a happy New Year.
Warm regards,
Due to the potential inclement weather this evening, all games and after school events are canceled. Please stay safe and warm.
Dr. Stone
Good morning Lee County,
Early voting continues today and Monday at the courthouse from 8:30-4:30. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, polls will be open from 7:00 to 7:00 at your assigned location. Today from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. there will be a fish fry downtown on the square where you can learn information about the millage. Invite anyone who is still needing true information about the needs of the kids and our community.
Good morning Lee County,
Early voting begins today, November 12, 2025 at the Lee County courthouse from 8:30-4:30. You can vote early today, November 13th, November 14th and November 17th at that location during those times.
The last opportunity to vote is Tuesday, November 18, 2025 from 7:00 to 7:00 at your assigned location. Exercise your right to vote! Follow this link if you would like true information about the millage. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1naX_DY-25hLLchT_e9ZeD_OmITX6Obse6JB_-MTp1HU/edit?usp=sharing