Mexico School District #59 has announced the hiring of Desiree Pezley as principal at Eugene Field Elementary School for the 2022-23 school year. Officially, her duties will begin July 1, 2022.  Currently, Pezley is the Eugene Field Elementary assistant principal and has been in that position for five years.

Pezley’s career began at McMillan Elementary in 2006 where she taught second grade for five years and third grade for one year. She then taught first grade at Hallsville Primary for three years before returning to Mexico Public Schools to teach sixth grade ELA for two years.  She was the summer school administrator at MMS for two years and then shifted to assistant principal at Eugene Field.

Pezley holds a bachelors in early childhood education from Central Methodist University, a masters in curriculum and instruction from MU, and an educational specialist, educational administration leadership and policy analysis from MU.  She is a member of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals and the Missouri State Teachers Association.  Pezley also works with the Missouri Leadership Development System as a facilitator at the Outdoor Leadership Experience and in mentoring new principals in the area.

Her educational journey was influenced by one of her favorite humans, her Grandpa, who would always say, “No one can take your education away from you.”  

“He taught us to value the opportunities we were given through education,” said Pezley, “and I have always wanted to share that message with others and to encourage them to feel proud and take ownership of their accomplishments in their educational journey.”  

She said she has always felt called to education and was one of the first to graduate college in her family.

The Pezleys have called Mexico home for the last 16 years.  She and her husband have been married almost 17 years; they have four children:  Luke (12), Ella (10), Oley (7), and Brix (5).  

In addition, they have a two-year-old puppy named Titus and a cat named Gracie.  As a family, they enjoy attending events at their church, playing sports and being active, and love to be outdoors camping, hiking, and exploring new places.  Her ultimate happy place is hitting the road for a good long run.

 As for becoming the principal of Eugene Field, Mrs. Pezley says, “The students, staff, and families at Eugene Field have a piece of my heart. They are my school family and I plan to do everything I can to continue the positive programs we have going. The Mexico community is home and I believe its future success starts with our little people. It brings true joy to my heart to work with those little people everyday.”

 Mrs. Chastain, Superintendent of Mexico Public Schools, said, “We are extremely proud to announce Desi Pezley as the 2022-2023 Principal of Eugene Field Elementary.  With a thoughtful and caring approach, Mrs. Pezley is centered on student well-being and success.  As a district, we are excited for Mrs. Pezley to accept the principal position as she can continue to build on Eugene Field's success."

 The Eugene Field Principal position became available when the current Principal Dr. Allen Miles was hired in January as Mexico’s Assistant Superintendent for the 2022-2023 school year.