Jermal Brown, Assistant Principal

My name is Jermal Brown and I always look forward to serving the staff and students of Southaven High School as assistant principal. I possess a Bachelors degree from Delta State University and a Masters degree from Arkansas State University. I have served as an assistant principal for eight years and I have worked two years at Central Services.

My family is small, but they play a huge role in my life. My wife Patricia is a nurse, my son Mario is a Medical Specialist in the ARMY and my daughter Jada is a senior at DCHS.  GO CHARGERS!

Chris Harlow, Assistant Principal

Mr. Harlow comes to Southaven High School after being an assistant principal at Horn Lake High School for 3 years and Olive Branch Middle School. He has 21 years of experience in education and has served in several capacities over that span which includes teaching history, coaching, and driving a bus. Prior to coming to DeSoto County schools, he worked at North Panola High, as an assistant principal and began his teaching and coaching career with Madison (MS) County Schools.

Mr. Harlow is originally from Pontotoc, MS and graduated in 2002 from Mississippi State University with a B.S. in Secondary Social Studies Education. He continued his education at Mississippi College in Clinton, MS earning his M.Ed. (2007) and Ed. S. (2009) in School Leadership.

Developing positive relationships with everyone within the community, working with students as they grow, supporting teachers and staff so that they can reach their greatest potential, strengthening the connection between school and home, and fostering a positive school culture, are cornerstones to being a successful school. It is his belief that the school-to-home partnership is what allows us to provide an extraordinary school experience for all students.

Mr. Harlow lives in Southaven with his wife Marie and together they have 3 children.

Mrs. Janie Stafford, Assistant Principal

With twenty-five years experience in DeSoto County Schools, Mrs. Stafford has been an administrator for fourteen years, but has also served as a teacher, interventionist, and even as a school bus driver.

Mrs. Janie Stafford is an Assistant Principal at Southaven High School. She has a master's degree from Delta State University in Educational Leadership, a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi in Elementary Education, and graduated from Southaven High School. 

Mrs. Stafford is a life-long resident of DeSoto County. She is married to Chris Stafford who also works for DCS and has a daughter, Rose Catherine who attends DCS. The Stafford family also have two fabulous dogs Scotch, a Boxer and Leo, a Dachshund.

Dr. Monifa Johnson, Assistant Principal

Curious and reflective, Dr. Monifa Oni Johnson is a growing instructional leader. Her transition into administration began as a member of the New Leaders’ Aspiring Principals Program - Cohort 11.

Dr. Johnson understands the power of challenging learners. She is passionate about learners making significant academic gains and believes in giving learners the space for productive struggle, discussion, and reflection. Dr. Johnson is in her 20th year in the field of education.

Throughout her time in education, she has served in various roles. She is most proud of being named Teacher of the Year; her students achieving the highest growth in her district on their state ELA assessment; presenting at The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Conference; and contributing to Nancy Steineke’s book, Classroom Management: Strategies for Achievement, Cooperation, and Engagement.

In line with the mission of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Dr. Johnson’s professional goal is to pursue excellence.