West Madison welcomes Demeester as principal

MADISON – Savannah Demeester accepted what she considers the perfect opportunity as Principal at West Madison Elementary School.

“West Madison has a great reputation and possesses a rich history,” she said. “Plus, the school is extra special to me because I attended West Madison as a student.”

Most recently, Demeester has been working as Assistant Principal at Rainbow Elementary School. “Ms. Demeester is a proud product of Madison City Schools, attending from kindergarten at West Madison (to) graduating from Bob Jones High School,” MCS Public Relations Manager John Peck said.

According to MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols, Demeester is Madison’s first principal that solely attended Madison schools.

“In many ways, in transitioning to this new role, I’m just returning back home,” Demeester said. “I’m really hopeful to build upon the success and hard work that has been established at West Madison by the administration, teachers, staff, parents and students.”

“I am so grateful for this opportunity,” Demeester said. “We’re going to do awesome things at West Madison. The best is yet to come.”

“My teaching philosophy is to love, nourish and academically challenge every single student,” Demeester said. “I want students to feel happy, safe and ready to learn when they walk into West Madison.”

In addition, she wants the entire faculty to help each student achieve his or her own unique potential. “For virtual learning, the expectations for student learning remain the same. Our methods may be different, but we’re working diligently to provide quality instruction and academic growth for our students,” Demeester said.

Demeester’s career started with Madison County Schools for eight years. Then, at Columbia Elementary School she taught grades 1, 3 and 5. She was assistant coach for varsity volleyball at Bob Jones and founded Madison Volleyball Club.

At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership.

Her husband Kyle works as finance manager for the City of Decatur. The Demeesters have two children – three-year-old Ava Grace and two-year-old Hudson.

Demeester replaces Dr. Daphne Jah, who is now MCS personnel coordinator.