Leadership

 

Ms. Amanda Irby
Principal

It is my pleasure to continue to serve you as principal this upcoming school year!   This is my twenty-second year in DeSoto County and eighth year in educational leadership at Memorial Elementary. My educational background includes a graduate of DeSoto County High School, a Bachelor degree of Elementary Education from Warner Southern University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. Prior to becoming principal, I have had many leadership experiences including instructional coach at DeSoto Middle School and assistant principal at DeSoto County High School, West Elementary School and Memorial Elementary School.  Even with these amazing experiences, I will always be a teacher at heart. I have ten years of classroom teaching experience in kindergarten, first and fourth grade.

 On a personal note, I am blessed to be a wife and the mother of three amazing children. Layna, who attends Florida State University as a sophomore, Julianne who attends DeSoto County High School as a freshman and Bryce who comes to school each day with me at Memorial Elementary as a fourth grader. My children keep my husband and I busy with their volleyball and baseball tournaments on the weekends.  

It is my privilege to be a part of an amazing group of staff members, teachers and students.  My goal is to continue to provide a supportive climate and culture so that it is conducive to teaching and learning. I look forward to interacting with all stakeholders in our school community this year! 

Ms. Sally McGill-Kreft
Assistant Principal

Ms. Terri Harrison
Dean of Students

My current role is dean of students at Memorial Elementary School. This will be my third year as dean. I have been in the district for 13 years, with my first ten years being at DeSoto County High School as a teacher in the business department. I have 4 beautiful daughters and a wonderful husband of 27 years, all of which are graduates from DeSoto County High School as well. My educational background includes a Bachelor degree in Organization Management and a Master’s degree in Business, both from Warner University. In addition, I have a Masters in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo College.

I look forward to continued service for our students, staff, and community. I am excited for our up coming school year!