Sanders comes home as Pelahatchie Elementary School principal

Robin Sanders is Pelahatchie born and bred. She is returning ‘home’ to head Pelahatchie Elementary School (PES) 480 students and 60 staff members during the 2020 Pandemic when education, as well as many other things, is uncertain. Sanders attended the Pelahatchie school kindergarten-twelfth grade. She was a member of the basketball team, cheerleading squad, FFA, FHA, yearbook staff, student council, and several other organizations.  “I have always been proud to be a Chief, and I am glad to be going ‘home’ to serve as principal of Pelahatchie Elementary School,” said Sanders. “I never felt ‘called’ to lead a school until the position became available at Pelahatchie Elementary. I have no doubt that I am right where God wants me to be … where I started with my PES family!” She worked at Pelahatchie Elementary from 1998 to 2016 as a first-grade teacher, third-grade teacher, fourth-grade teacher, and sixth-grade teacher. During her last three years at PES, she served as the school interventionist. Her husband, Shane, served in many different capacities including principal at Pelahatchie High School over a 21-year period, and is now an assistant superintendent at the Rankin County School District (RCSD). “Shane and I never questioned where our daughters would attend school,” said Sanders. “He and I both strongly believe in the value of public school, and we wanted our girls to attend school in the community where we live and attend church.”  And, now both she and her husband are a big part of PES. Shane Sanders is overseeing the construction projects at many of the RCSD schools. As far as when and if the school years starts on schedule, Sanders said, “While we are currently working tirelessly to create multiple scenarios and plans for the 20/21 school year, nothing has been finalized; however, I can assure you that Dr. Townsend and RCSD are working diligently with all directors and school leaders to ensure every decision made moving forward is in the best interest of all staff and students with safety being the first priority.” She said, “I am ALL IN! I am fully committed to making Pelahatchie the greatest elementary school in Rankin County and eventually the best in Mississippi. Shane and I are excited to be able to serve Pelahatchie Elementary as Rankin County School district employees, community members, but most importantly as parents. Our girls, Reagan and Payton, have flourished at Pelahatchie through the years, and we cannot wait to see our children and so many more finish