I am beginning my 6th year as the principal of Lake Cormorant Middle School. I have been an employee of DeSoto County Schools for 24 years. I spent 5 years as an ELA teacher at Horn Lake Middle School, 1 year as an administrative intern at OBHS, GBES, and DCM, 7 years at Hernando High School as an assistant principal, and 5 years at Oak Grove Elementary School as the principal before coming home to Lake Cormorant Middle School. I am a graduate of Horn Lake High School and spent all 12 years in the Horn Lake Schools. I graduated from the University of Mississippi (Hotty Toddy) with a Bachelor of Art in Education and then earned my Master of Education and Educational Specialist degrees from Delta State University.

I am married to John Steiner and we have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. My children are all products of Desoto County Schools and all have college degrees and excellent jobs. Two of my grandchildren attend DCS with the other 3 to follow in a few years. DeSoto County Schools has always been great to my family and me. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.

My favorite things about being in education are meeting new challenges and watching my school children grow into successful adults (I know this happens because many of them now work for me). Every day brings something different and exciting. Thank you to all of my former teachers for helping me obtain such a rewarding career.

Dr. Hale is a graduate of Ocean Springs High School in Ocean Springs, MS. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi State University (1999) and his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University (2012), and his Doctorate Degree from CUC (2018). He has taught at Myrtle Attendance Center, Tupelo Public Schools, and Horn Lake High School. His wife, Kristy, is also an administrator in the district. They have two wonderful boys, Kasdin and Trapper. Dr. Hale is proud to be a Gator!

“Not all those who wander are lost”     

        -J.R.R. Tolkien

Dr. Jeremiah Burks has been an educator for more than 25 years. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Delta State University. He later received a master's degree and specialist’s degree also from Delta State. He received his doctorate from Arkansas State University – Jonesboro in 2010.

Before becoming assistant principal at LCMS, Mr. Burks was assistant principal at Southaven Middle School and Horn Lake High School. Dr. Burks served as a lead teacher, assistant principal, principal, and central office administrator in school districts in both Mississippi and Tennessee.