DeSoto County school board approves principal appointments after retirement

The DeSoto County School District Board of Education approved a principal retirement and appointed two new school principals at a special-called meeting in May; the meeting record did not specify the exact calendar date.

Superintendent staff recommended approval of personnel actions, which the board moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Board members Michelle Henley, Charles Martin and Josh Sullivan attended by phone and were counted as present for the votes.

The personnel package included one resignation and two recommended appointments. The record lists the retirement as Dr. Jerry Flote; later remarks in the meeting referred to the retirement as “Dr. Floyd,” a discrepancy noted on the record. The board approved the retirement as part of its personnel action.

The board approved Kim Bay as principal of DeSoto Central Primary School. Bay, introduced at the meeting, told the board she has been with DeSoto County Schools for 25 years and that 21 of those years were “as a Jaguar.” She said, “I’m super excited about stepping into the role of head principal,” and thanked Superintendent Ussilton and family members in attendance.

The board also approved Jennifer Hodges as principal of Fernando Middle School. In remarks introducing herself, Hodges described her path into administration, said school leaders including Mr. Williams and Michelle Corbin encouraged her to pursue leadership, and recounted classroom memories that influenced her decision to lead. Hodges said she looks forward to continuing work at the school and thanked the board for the opportunity.

There was no extended debate recorded on the personnel items. The superintendent thanked board members for attending on short notice and acknowledged the newly approved principals. The board adjourned and set its next meeting for June 5 at 2:30 p.m.