Mrs. Batchelor is excited to serve Monroe High School as Principal. She was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow and a graduate of East Carolina University. Later, she attended Wingate University and earned her MBA and attended the University of Phoenix earning a Masters in Educational Administration.
She spent the first years of her career as a Marketing teacher; first at CE Jordan in Durham and then, at Sun Valley High School. In 2004, she began serving as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at Sun Valley High School. Later, she served Stanly County Schools in various capacities including Career and Technical Education Director, Director of Student Services, and County Athletic Director. The last three years of her career in Stanly County was spent as the Principal of Stanly Academy Learning Center.
Mrs. Batchelor resides with her husband, her two children and her pup named River.
Sara Hanna graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in English and began her career teaching high school English. For 18 years, she worked to build strong relationships with students, foster a love of literature and writing, and help young people develop the critical thinking and communication skills needed for success in school and beyond. She earned her degree in school administration at UNC Charlotte in 2022 before joining the administration at Monroe High. Her years in the classroom shaped the student-centered approach she brings to her current role.
Mr. Elkin Lenis attended the University of Antioquia (Colombia), where he earned a bachelors's degree in Languages with an emphasis on Spanish, English, and French. He also attended Pontificia Bolivariana University (Colombia), where he received a graduate degree in teaching English as a foreign/second language. In addition, Mr. Lenis attended the University of Scranton (PA) where he received a Master's of Science degree in Educational Administration. Currently, Mr. Lenis is in his fifth year as a doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction Doctoral Program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Mr. Chuck Lansing is serving as an assistant principal this school year. He is excited to join Monroe High School and work with the students, staff, and community to support teaching and learning. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and is an avid Gamecock fan!
He previously worked in CMS for 10 years as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and assistant principal in addition to serving as a high school principal in Dare County for over four years. Mr. Lansing believes in working to meet the goals of all students and serving in a capacity that best prepares students for success after high school.
Mr. Johnny Sowell has worked in the school system for 32 years and has lived in the Monroe community for his entire life. He is married to Denise Sowell and has one son, Jalen, who is a graduate of Fayetteville University.
Mr. Sowell began his career as an Attendance Officer and in addition to being a part of the administrative team, he is also Monroe High School’s head Football, Basketball, and Track coach.
In 2010, Mr. Sowell was recognized as N.C. Coach of the Year for his success in coaching athletics over the course of his career. In 1979 Mr. Sowell was a member of the Monroe High School State Basketball Championship team. Mr. Sowell also coached the boys track team to a State Championship in 1989. In 2009-10, Mr. Sowell coached the Monroe High School Football team to its first undefeated regular season. In 2010, as a coach, his team won the 1A State Basketball Championship. The 2013 season marked his 400th win as a basketball coach and during the 2015-16 season he achieved his 100th win in football, the team went undefeated and won the 2AA State Championship in football.
