Principal's Corner

Shane Jones, a 1997 graduate of Southaven High School, is very excited to serve as Principal of DeSoto Central High School.

Mr. Jones received his Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Mississippi and a Masters Degree of Educational Leadership from Delta State University.

He taught Social Studies and Computer Discovery for four years at DeSoto Central Middle School where he also coached softball, basketball, and track. For three years he served as Assistant Principal at Southaven Middle School followed by serving as an Assistant Principal for two years at SHS before being named Principal at Southaven High School.

Mr. Jones is married to Amanda and the father of three, Luke, Aaron, and Lyla Cate. His family attends Getwell Church, and his interests include hunting, golfing, and watching Ole Miss football.

My name is Tim Chrestman and it is an honor to be an assistant principal at DeSoto Central High School. I have been an educator for thirteen years in DeSoto County including teaching 7 years at Hernando High School and 6 years as an assistant principal at Southaven Middle School. I am a lifelong resident of DeSoto County, graduating from Hernando High School in 1997. I received my undergraduate degree in education from the University of Mississippi and my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Delta State University. My top priority is the safety of the students and staff. Academic excellence is next on my list of priorities. I look forward to the challenge of taking a great school to the next level. This goal will become a reality when all those involved work together with a common goal. I am looking forward to a great school year and making a positive difference in the lives of young people.

I currently reside in Olive Branch, MS with my wife of ten years, Nicole Chrestman, who teaches at St. Benedict High School, and we have three children: Jaxon(8), Casen(4) and Kinsley(1).

My name is Erica Parks, and I am excited to be the newest member of the DeSoto Central Jaguars family. GO JAGS!! I am a graduate of Madison Palmer High School in Marks, MS. I hold a bachelor's degree in marketing from Jackson State University, a master's degree from the University of Phoenix, and a Specialist in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Education is my second career. After college, I served as marketing director in corporate America.

I am entering my 12th year in education, with 5 of those years served in the North Panola School District, four as an administrator at North Panola Middle School (NPMS). During my time at NPMS, I was a part of the leadership team that increased students' achievement from an F rating to 9pts from a B rating. I taught at Hernando High School (HHS) for five years. At HHS, I led students to state and national competitions in DECA and brought home state championships every year. I am certified in Business Education, Marketing Education, and Career Pathway Experience along with my administrative licensure. Recently, I served as assistant principal at Horn Lake Middle School before coming to DeSoto Central.

I am a resident of Hernando, MS. I have two handsome boys, Kylen and Javen Ware, who graduated from Hernando High school and are in college.

"So now I know what I have to do. I have to keep breathing. And tomorrow the sun will rise, and who knows what the tide will bring in.". ― William Broyles Jr.

Mr. Jeremy Russell is a 1998 graduate of Southaven High School. After receiving his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Marketing from Union University, he worked as a Branch Manager for Regions Bank. Mr. Russell began teaching Algebra 1 and Geometry at Southaven High School in 2008. He has also taught Communications in Business and coached cross country, track, and was an assistant coach for girls basketball. He earned his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University in 2011. He began as an Assistant Principal at SHS in the 2016-17 school year.

Mr. Russell lives in Southaven and is married to Jennifer Russell. Together they have 3 children: Will, Jake and Baylee. His family attends Longview Heights Baptist Church in Olive Branch, MS. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis, and watching Mississippi State sporting events.

I am from Meridian, Mississippi and graduated from Meridian high School. After graduation, I spent two years at Meridian Community College playing baseball and beginning my college education. I then attended the University of Southern Mississippi where I received a bachelor’s degree in Coaching and Sports Administration with a minor in Mathematics in 1990.

I started my career in teaching and coaching in 1990. I taught and coached at several schools all across the state. I taught Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Algebra II, Trigonometry, and Calculus as well as coaching baseball, football, boys and girls basketball, and girls softball. I then started working in DeSoto County in 2000 at Southaven High School teaching Algebra II and Calculus. After seven years at Southaven High, I returned to college at Delta State University where I earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Since completing my masters, I have served as assistant principal in DeSoto County for the last eight years. I just finished my fifth year as assistant principal at Olive Branch Middle School and am resuming as assistant principal here at DeSoto Central High.

While living in Hernando, I met and married Tina Matthews Townsend. We have been married for two years. We attend Christ Community Church and believe in serving God daily in our lives. I have a daughter, Katie, who is in her senior year at Delta State University studying to be teacher. My son, Peyton, is sixteen and involved with football, soccer, and baseball. He lives in Holcomb, Mississippi. Tina and I also have another young one at our house. His name is Tip. He is a ten year old yellow Labrador and yes, he believes he is invincible.

When not at school, Tina and I like trying out new places to eat and the company of good friends. I also enjoy spending time with my son going to sporting events, kayaking, and hunting monster bucks. Peyton also likes to fish while I untangle fishing line.

Administrative Team

Mr. Shane Jones, Head Principal

We welcome you to the 2022-2023 school year. When selecting courses, we ask that you confer with the counselors who will help you select the right courses for your specific needs. If the administration can help you in any way, please let us know.

Make use of the regulation handbook so that you will be properly informed of the policies, procedures, and organization of the school.

Let us work together to ensure that we have the best school year possible.

Principal's Bio

Tim Chrestman, Assistant Principal

I currently reside in Olive Branch, MS with my wife of ten years, Nicole Chrestman, who teaches at St. Benedict High School, and we have three children: Jaxon(8), Casen(4) and Kinsley(1).

Mrs. Erica Parks, Assistant Principal

I am a resident of Hernando, MS. I have two handsome boys, Kylen and Javen Ware, who graduated from Hernando High school and are in college.

Mr. Jeremy Russell, Assistant Principal

Rick Townsend, Assistant Principal

When not at school, Tina and I like trying out new places to eat and the company of good friends. I also enjoy spending time with my son going to sporting events, kayaking, and hunting monster bucks. Peyton also likes to fish while I untangle fishing line.