Lee County Schools announces Deep River Elementary School leadership transition

Lee County Schools announced a leadership transition at Deep River Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026.  Emily Coggins will step down as principal of Deep River Elementary effective June 30 to focus on personal and family priorities. Coggins has served the Deep River community with dedication and has provided strong leadership for the school’s students, staff and families.

“After careful consideration, I have made the decision to step away from my role as principal to focus on my family during this season of life,” Coggins said. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, staff and families of Deep River Elementary and for the support I have received from the Lee County Schools community. While this is a temporary step in a different direction, I look forward to what the future holds and will always cherish my connection to Deep River.”

“Emily is an outstanding educator and leader who has served Deep River Elementary with compassion and a genuine commitment to the success of every student,” said Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach. “While we will miss her leadership at Deep River, we fully support her decision to focus on her family at this time. We are deeply grateful for all she has done for the school and our district.”

Sal Cosimo will become principal of Deep River Elementary effective July 1.  

Cosimo is no stranger to Lee County Schools, having served the district for the past 11 years in a variety of roles, including teacher, assistant principal and executive director of human resources. After spending time in New York, Cosimo and his family returned to Lee County, where he served as assistant principal at Southern Lee High School during the 2025–2026 school year.

“We are excited to welcome Sal to Deep River Elementary and congratulate him on this well-deserved opportunity,” Dossenbach said. “His many years of experience as an assistant principal, along with his knowledge of our schools and community, have prepared him to take this next step in his leadership journey. Sal recognizes the school’s longstanding success and traditions and will continue to build on the solid foundation already in place while guiding Deep River toward an even brighter future.” 

Cosimo said he is honored to join the Deep River Elementary family and looks forward to building upon the school’s strong tradition of academic excellence.“I am committed to fostering a culture where every student is challenged and supported, teachers are empowered to lead and innovate, and families are valued as essential partners in their children’s academic success,” Cosimo said. “Together, we will continue creating an environment where all students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”

Coggins and Cosimo will work closely together over the next several weeks to ensure a smooth and successful leadership transition for the Deep River Elementary community.

June 10, 2026

Provided.