Lamar Hill Welcomes Students And Parents As New Principal At Southeast Raleigh Elementary

To complete his to-do list before the first day of school as the new principal of Southeast Raleigh Elementary School, Lamar Hill hosted three Meet the Principal sessions, inviting parents and students into the school’s media center.

“I really value the students and parents as thought partners,” Hill said. “I like hearing their perspective because I really think their perspective helps us improve our school and make this the best place to learn.”

Hill takes over the helm at SERES following the retirement of Cheryl Holland Fenner, who opened the school in 2019.

The three sessions were held according to grade level. During the meeting with fourth and fifth-grade parents and students, Hill shared his excitement about the “cool things we can do” in social studies that will give students a sense of what careers match the things they like to do. Overall, Hill said he plans to build strong relationships with parents and the Southeast Raleigh community by offering an open-door policy that encourages feedback and routine dialogue.

Parent Jaleesa Long attended the meeting for fourth and fifth grades. “I was very interested in meeting the new principal,” said Long. In tow: her sons Daniel Fields, a fifth grader, and Timothy Fields, a second grader.

Parent Renee Smith was there with her daughter, Jael, also in fifth grade. Smith’s questions about ways to curb bullying and how to limit children’s access to websites on their school-issued laptops. Hill also fielded questions about everything from school schedules to replacing lost laptop chargers.

“I’ve just been blown away by the support the parents have offered me already and by the passion that is clearly present with our parents, the passion they have about their children’s education.”

Hill, a native of Norristown, Pa., has called North Carolina home since his family moved to Hillsborough when he was a 9-year-old elementary student. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English for Secondary Education from N.C. State University and a Master of School Administration degree from UNC Chapel Hill. Along the way, Hill became a mainstay in the Wake County Public School System. He has taught English at Holly Springs High School, completed a year-long assistant principal internship at Millbrook High School, and served for five years as 7th grade assistant principal at Apex Friendship Middle School.

Asked about his interests aside from Lion Pride, Hill points to literature, fitness, and anime, a style of Japanese film and television animation.

To reach Hill, send an email to lhill5@wcpss.net