DeSoto County Schools start August 1, and so does the tenure of a few new principals.
Six schools have appointed six new principals for the 2024-25 school year. All six already have lengthy tenures in DeSoto County Schools, and all have prior experience as either an assistant principal or principal.
Here's all you need to know about the new principals heading up six DeSoto County Schools this year, and which schools have appointed them.
Chickasaw Elementary School
Dr. Crystal Robinson is the next principal of Chickasaw Elementary, replacing the recently retired Selina Nichols. Her previous position was Horn Lake Intermediate School principal, which she held for four years. Robinson has worked in education for 21 years, with 12 of those spent at Horn Lake Middle and Horn Lake High. She's worked in an administrative role for eight years.
Robinson earned her doctorate degree from Freed-Hardeman University.
Horn Lake Intermediate School
Anna Claire Parker is the newest principal of Horn Lake Intermediate, replacing Dr. Crystal Robinson. She previously served as Assistant Principal at Southaven Intermediate School for three years, and has been working in DeSoto County Schools since 2011. The first nine years of her career were spent as an 8th grade math teacher at Hernando Middle School, followed by one year as a state testing coordinator and interventionist at Horn Lake Middle School.
Parker holds a bachelor's degree in Integrative Studies from the University of Memphis, and a master's degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University. She is a five-time recipient of the DeSoto County Foundation of Excellence Grant.
Southaven Elementary School
Leanna Clark is the next principal of Southaven Elementary School. She has replaced Andy Edwards, who relocated outside of DeSoto County. Clark was previously the assistant principal of Hernando Middle School. She began her career in 2004 in Hernando, teaching 2nd, 3rd and 5th grade for 13 years.
Clark earned a bachelor’s degree from Delta State University, and a master’s in educational leadership from Arkansas Tech University.
Lewisburg Elementary School
Lindsey Millbrooks has been appointed principal of Lewisburg Elementary School, replacing Cynthia Dixon, who has retired. She was previously assistant principal at DeSoto Central Elementary School, has taught first and second grade for a combined six years, and was also a state testing and MTSS coordinator.
Millbrooks received her bachelor's degree at Mississippi State University, and her master's at Arkansas State University.
Hernando Hills Elementary School
Tara Skelton will be principal of Hernando Hills Elementary School this year. She replaces Wendy Michael, who will serve as director of academic support for DeSoto County Schools. Skelton previously was assistant principal at Olive Branch Elementary School, and also taught at the primary level in DeSoto County Schools for ten years.
Skelton has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Ole Miss, and a master’s in educational leadership from Arkansas State University.
Career and Technology Center East
Terrance Miller is the newest principal of Career and Technology Center East. He replaces Beth Turner, who has been appointed Director of Workforce Development for DeSoto County Schools. The 1997 graduate of Hernando High School was most recently Assistant Principal at Olive Branch Middle School, and has been with DeSoto County Schools for the last 13 years. Miller has also served as head coach of four different teams and assistant coach of two teams, including basketball and football.
Miller has a lengthy education background — a bachelor’s degree in business management from Mississippi Valley State University, a master's degree of Arts in Teaching in Math Education from Mississippi Valley State University, as well as a specialist degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University.
Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal. You can reach him atjacob.wilt@commercialappeal.com.
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