History of Lee Elementary

    Lee Elementary has been an important educational institution in Springdale Arkansas for 54 years. Lee Elementary opened its doors on September 3, 1951. It cost $124,502.69 to construct the eight classroom building. During the 1951-1952 school year, 264 students from grades 1-5 attended Lee Elementary. Eight teachers were on staff when the school opened.

    The first principal of Lee Elementary was Mr. Oakley Long. He served as the Principal of Lee from 1951 until 1975 for a total of 24 years. Following Mr. Long as Principal was John Stamps, who stayed at Lee Elementary for 5 years, until 1980. From 1980-1982, Linda Childers (who is now the principal of Harp Elementary in Springdale) served as the Principal. Ann Clark took over the job for a half of a year. Then, in January of 1983, Peggy Hill became Lee Elementary's Principal. She remained the Principal until June of 1998. Sherrie Bayles began as the Principal of Lee Elementary in August of 1998.  In 2000, Mrs. Bayles left to open Bernice Young Elementary.  Annette Freeman, who had previously served two years as Assistant Principal became the Principal.  In 2002, Regina Stewman became the Principal, after serving as Assistant Principal for one year. 

    Lee Elementary has had three additions to its building during its 44 year history. In 1962, 4 classrooms were added. Three years later, 2 more rooms were built. The final addition was completed in 1971, consisting on 12 new rooms and kitchen.  During the 2003-2004 school year, a new library media center was built.  The previous library was converted into 2 classrooms and 1 office space. 

    There are now approximately 475 students, grades K-5, attending Lee Elementary every year. There are four kindergarten, two 1st grade, one 1st/2nd split, three 2nd grade, four 3rd grade, three 4th grade, and two 5th grade classes.

    Lee Elementary, which is named for Robert E. Lee, a Southern general in the Civil War, was given a portrait of the school's namesake. The portrait was presented to the school by Mrs. M.D. Lichlyter. The portrait has been in Mrs. Lichlyter's family since 1870. It now hangs in the school's office.

Here is a poem written during the 40 year anniversary celebration for the school:

The Tale of Lee Elementary School Listen my friends and you shall hear

The history of Lee School for 40 years.

Twas the third of September in 51,

That the doors were opened and school had begun.

Mr. Long said to his friend, if the children arrive,

The buses will come and the mamas will cry.

They'll get out their books all ready to learn,

The teachers will teach and the 3R's will be learned.

In the 60's the world had causes, and needs that abound,

Four rooms were added on the north playground.

Thurman G. Smith was our new Superintendent

On whose leadership we were dependent.

In '63 he came to the fore,

To give us a challenge and so much more.

The country at war-though sad it was said,

However, Lee School wasn't doing too bad.

An "A" rating the state did bestow,

On hardworking students and teachers we know

During the next few years we grew and grew,

We added 12 rooms and the kindergarten too.

In '75, Mr. Stamps made our day,

With his leadership showing us the right way.

Now the 80's are here, let's all give an ear,

Education is changing in our state far and near.

Standards for schools; teachers are tested;

Basic skills adopted; so our kids can't be bested.

Color arose in our murals aplenty,

There were only eight, it just seemed like twenty.

In 1980, things were changing,

As new hues adorn, with some rearranging.

The principal retired so Mrs. Childers came,

She was bouncy and bright, not only in name.

To the PTA's and Booster Clubs, we owe a great debt.

Our school they've helped, Our needs they have met.

From playground to classrooms - the needs they were many.

Books, balls, and computers - They gave us plenty.

From music there came a leader to guide.

With creative ideas - Mr. Moore by her side.

The programs we've added and building upgraded.

Award winners all - how long we've waited.

From teaching and learning, we never were driven,

An exemplary school - an award we were given.

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