SANFORD – Karen Barnhill was introduced Wednesday morning to the staff of Lee County High School as the new principal. Barnhill was approved to replace Betsy Bridges by the Lee County Board of Education Tuesday night.

Bridges is retiring after more than 30 years with Lee County Schools on June 30. She spent the last two years as principal at LCHS.

For the past five years, Barnhill was principal of Enka Middle School in Buncombe County. In all, she has 15 years of administrative experience, nine of which saw her in the role of principal. She served as principal of two middle schools in Buncombe County schools.

“I am humbled to have been selected as the principal of Lee County High School and look forward to all things ‘Yellow Jackets’,” Barnhill said in a press release announcing her hiring.

Interim Lee County Schools superintendent Chris Dossenbach pointed to Barnhill’s experience as a factor that helped her earn the position. While that experience has all been at the middle school level, Dossenbach was encouraged during the interviewing process.

“Its hard to take on a high school without having some experience,” Dossenbach said. “Its hard to learn on the job being a high school principal. While her background is middle school, I think the experience, I think she had a pretty solid background.

“I’m excited to see what she can do” Dossenbach added. “There’s a lot of great things that are already happening here. I think there’s a passion and desire to move forward even more.”

Barnhill returns to Lee County after spending part of her childhood in the area. She began her post-secondary career at Central Carolina Community College. Barnhill holds a Master of School Administration from Western Carolina University. She is currently working towards a doctorate degree from the University of the Cumberlands.

“I look forward to working with our students and their families, along with the community,” Barnhill said, “to promote student success so they can become contributing members of society in a globally competitive world.”

“At this given time,” Dossenbach added, “I think she’s the right person to lead the ship and she’s got all the right people on it.”

Barnhill’s first official day as principal will be July 1.