Tiger Administrative Team

Pic of Dr. Jerry Wayne Floate

Dr. Jerry Wayne Floate, Principal

It is my pleasure and honor to be the principal of Hernando Middle School. This is my 25th year in education. This is my 11th year as a principal. Before becoming a principal, I served in a variety of roles, which include, special education teacher, coach, athletic director, and assistant principal. I received a B.S.E. in education from Delta State University, a M.S.E. from the University of Mississippi, a Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.  

 We have a great school and a wonderful community in which we serve. My philosophy on education is that "Every Child Deserves to Grow Every Day." It is our goal to provide every child with the tools and skills they will need to be college and career ready upon graduating from high school. I look forward to the upcoming school year and encourage parents to email or call us if we can ever be of assistance.

Assistant Principals

Thomas Hurst

Mr. Thomas Hurst, Asst. Principal

Mr. Thomas Hurst is beginning his 3rd year as an Assistant Principal at Hernando Middle School. He comes to us from Olive Branch. He has taught History for Desoto County Schools and coached multiple sports at Olive Branch Middle. He has 10 years in education. He is a graduate from the University of Memphis and Arkansas State University. 

Mr. Hurst and his wife, Elizabeth, enjoy traveling and caring for their ducks. You can follow Dilly, Lilly, and Tilly on Instagram at @dillyandtheduckettes. 

Mr. Hurst will be over the History department and serve as the 8th grade administrator.

Jennifer Hodges

Mrs. Hodges 2021

Mrs. Hodges is beginning her 12th year in education and her second year as an Assistant Principal at Hernando Middle School. Before becoming an Administrator, Mrs. Hodges was a 1st grade teacher at DeSoto Central Primary School and a 6th-grade math teacher at DeSoto Central Middle School.

After graduating high school from Carroll Academy in Carrollton, MS, Mrs. Hodges earned her undergraduate from The University of Mississippi, and her master’s degree in education leadership from Arkansas State University.

Mrs. Hodges and her husband, Kerry, have two children, Reid (21) and Lillian (15), attends Lewisburg High School. As a family, they enjoy attending Lillian’s volleyball matches, making memories with their large group of family friends, and attending DeSoto Hills Baptist Church.

Mrs. Hodges will be over the Math department and serve as the 6th grade administrator. 

Leanna Clark

Close up of Mrs. Clark

Mrs. Leanna Clark is beginning her 4th year as an Assistant Principal and her second year at Hernando Middle School. She started her teaching career in 2004 here in Hernando. She will be entering her 18th year in education. After 13 years of teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades, she became an assistant principal. The military relocated her family to Kansas and the Washington, DC area for two years where She continued her educational career. Mrs. Clark received her Bachelor’s Degree at Delta State University and her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Arkansas Tech University.

Mrs. Clark and her husband, Casey of 16 years, have two daughters. Emma (14) will be in 9th grade at HHS and Ella (11) will be in 6th grade at HMS. She loves to read, travel, and spend time with family. Mrs. Clark is excited to start another school year as a Tiger. Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger! 

Mrs. Clark will be over the English department and serve as the 7th grade administrator.