The board of education for the Eastern Camden County Regional School District and school Superintendent Robert Cloutier have announced that Steve Lee will be the new principal at the high school effective Aug. 1.
Prior to joining Eastern, Lee spent 15 years as an assistant principal and supervisor of instruction at Cherokee High School in the Lenape Regional district. During his tenure, Lee spearheaded the implementation of innovative educational programs, fostered a collaborative environment and notably improved student relations.
Lee also served as the School Safety and Anti-Bullying Specialist for Cherokee and contributed to athletics as a longtime football and track and field coach.
Lee holds a master’s school leadership from Wilmington University and is committed to the belief that every student has the potential to succeed. He plans to enhance student engagement and foster school spirit at Eastern by introducing new activities, student-led initiatives and community-building programs.
“I wish I knew everything about Eastern,'” Lee said. “My first thing is that (Principal) Dr. (Robert) Tull has been very successful. He’s been great. I want to learn first and see what Eastern values most, what things can we improve on and what can we make great.
“There’s a lot of great people at Eastern who have been there for years,” Lee added. “My overall perspective is that I want to build on the legacy that Dr. Tull has left.”
Lee believes building relationships with people will be his greatest strength as principal.
“I am honored to join the Eastern Regional High School community,” he noted. “I look forward to working closely with the talented staff, dedicated students and supportive parents to build on the school’s rich traditions and drive continuous improvement.
“If you can build an atmosphere where kids are respected and heard, then the expectations are high,” Lee added. “My role for Eastern is what it means to be a Viking: one vision, one mission.”
Cloutier expressed his excitement about Lee’s appointment.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Steve Lee to our district,” the superintendent said. “His passion for education and desire to create relationships and connections make him the perfect fit for Eastern Regional High School.
“We are confident that under his guidance, our school will continue to thrive and achieve new heights.”
Lee also wants to ensure that all students will feel included at Eastern.
“One thing that I pride myself on is that I know kids,” he explained. “They will be able to trust me and come to me about anything. I was on an anti-bullying committee for years. Schoolwide, Eastern has always been inclusive.
“There will always be people with different perspectives, but when we walk in that building, we are Vikings.”
