Chanel Purnell Named Head of Lower School

Dear Lower School Families,

I am delighted to share that Chanel Purnell has been named Head of Lower School.

When Chanel accepted the role of Interim Head of Lower School last spring, we anticipated conducting a search this year. But a search exists for one purpose: to find the right leader. As Chanel led the Lower School through the summer and into the fall, it became clear the right leader was already here.

Chanel brings more than 15 years of experience in education as a special education teacher, curriculum developer, academic support administrator, and professional development leader. Since joining Sanford in 2022, she has been at the center of the Lower School’s academic support work and its curricular growth. That breadth shows in how she leads. She understands how children learn, what teachers need to teach well, and how a school’s systems enhance both.

Chanel has made this role fully her own. She leads with warmth and steadiness, sets clear expectations and high standards, and brings joy and laughter to everything she does. Above all, she is endlessly student-centered. She has the full support and trust of the Lower School faculty, the senior leadership team, and our Board of Trustees.

Chanel knows our students, our teachers, and our program deeply, and as a Sanford parent herself, she understands this community from the inside. I am confident in the path ahead for our Lower School and excited for all that our students will experience under her leadership.

Please join me in congratulating Chanel.

Warmly,

Jaime L. Morgan ’02
Head of School