The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for a Personal
Finance teacher for Grades 9-12 for the 2025-2026 school year.
Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith at hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdH12Vhs88SbP.../viewform
Applications should be sent to Hugh Smith, Human Resources Supervisor, Decatur County Board of Education, 59 West Main Street, P.O. Box 369, Decaturville, TN or emailed to hugh.smith@decaturschools.org.
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in
Business Education 6-12 endorsement (152) will be considered for the
position.
The deadline for applying is Friday, September 5, 2025.
Finance teacher for Grades 9-12 for the 2025-2026 school year.
Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith at hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdH12Vhs88SbP.../viewform
Applications should be sent to Hugh Smith, Human Resources Supervisor, Decatur County Board of Education, 59 West Main Street, P.O. Box 369, Decaturville, TN or emailed to hugh.smith@decaturschools.org.
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in
Business Education 6-12 endorsement (152) will be considered for the
position.
The deadline for applying is Friday, September 5, 2025.
September Breakfast and Lunch Menu RHS
September Breakfast and Lunch Menu PES/DES/DCMS
Decatur County Schools is accepting applications for Transition Case Manager/Family Resource Coordinator.
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Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith at hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online here: https://forms.gle/thAstGmBW2vAxWgS9
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The deadline for applying is Friday, September 5, 2025.
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For more information regarding the Transition Case Manager position, please contact Ms. Michelle McElrath, Supervisor of Special Education, at (731) 852-2391 or michelle.mccelrath@decaturschools.org.
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Transition Case Manager
Education and Experience: B.S./B.A. in education or a human service-related field . Two years of experience in teaching or services to individuals w/ disabilities
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Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Serve as the point person for the TSW grant.
2. Review goals and priorities as identified in the TSW grant agreement with LEA management and Transition specialist/supervisor.
3. Collect required documentation so that students can begin receiving one or more of the identified Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
4. Coordinate with students and school personnel to reach pre-employment goals outlined in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) (once the student becomes an eligible customer for the Vocational Rehabilitation program).
5. Provide guidance to grant personnel on how to help students achieve employment goals and objectives.
6. Ensure that all student records are properly maintained, stored, and kept confidential at all times.
7. Lead the TSW team to select appropriate curricula for working with students. Implement appropriate curricula or demonstrate creativity in developing programs/training to assist grant personnel. Seek assistance from the VR Transition Specialist as needed.
8. Provide guidance to grant personnel on how to help students receive one or more of the five identified Pre-ETS, in order to make meaningful progress and/or achieve employment goals and objectives.
9. Schedule and attend events and training with the VR Transition Specialist, VR Counselor, and other TSW grant employees to further ensure student goals are met.
10. Notify the VR Transition Specialist/Supervisor of upcoming IEP meetings. Attend IEP Team Meetings to report student progress and to explain the process for referral to VR for IEP Team Members.
11. If the students within the LEA are receiving services from a Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP), ensure that there is no duplication of services provided to the students.
12. Promptly address student, work site, and/or LEA complaints and work to resolve the problem. Seek guidance from the VR Transition Specialist/Supervisor as needed.
13. Assist students (and their families) in completing necessary documentation for postsecondary education applications and financial aid assistance.
14. Serve as a liaison to the disability services offices within institutions of higher education.
15. If the LEA has a Project SEARCH® site, assist the Project SEARCH® team by recommending and selecting students to complete the year-long internship. Make sure that the VR counselor has all of the necessary material to complete the VR eligibility process.
16. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and a professional demeanor, and represent both the LEA and Tennessee VR in a positive manner at all times.
17. Ensure all Pre-ETS monthly reporting is completed accurately on the forms provided and sent to designated personnel timely each month. Receive referrals from LEA personnel and inform the VR Transition Specialist/Supervisor of any new VR referrals.
18. Stay current on best practices, laws, and regulations related to transition services for students with disabilities. Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
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Family Resource Coordinator Job Duties:
1. Implementation of goals and objectives
2. Access to the services of agencies and resources within the community and surrounding area.
3. Presenting or coordinating programs/according to needs assessments.
4. Working with all age students, parents, and personnel, respecting racial, ethnic, and cultural diversities.
5. Maintaining a non-threatening approach to families, children, and anyone connected to the program, while encouraging those in need toward empowerment rather than dependency.
6. Working with professional service organizations and knowing their services.
7. Having collaborative skills with agency personnel from throughout the county and working in a professional manner, recognizing confidentiality.
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Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith at hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online here: https://forms.gle/thAstGmBW2vAxWgS9
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The deadline for applying is Friday, September 5, 2025.
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For more information regarding the Transition Case Manager position, please contact Ms. Michelle McElrath, Supervisor of Special Education, at (731) 852-2391 or michelle.mccelrath@decaturschools.org.
.
Transition Case Manager
Education and Experience: B.S./B.A. in education or a human service-related field . Two years of experience in teaching or services to individuals w/ disabilities
.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Serve as the point person for the TSW grant.
2. Review goals and priorities as identified in the TSW grant agreement with LEA management and Transition specialist/supervisor.
3. Collect required documentation so that students can begin receiving one or more of the identified Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
4. Coordinate with students and school personnel to reach pre-employment goals outlined in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) (once the student becomes an eligible customer for the Vocational Rehabilitation program).
5. Provide guidance to grant personnel on how to help students achieve employment goals and objectives.
6. Ensure that all student records are properly maintained, stored, and kept confidential at all times.
7. Lead the TSW team to select appropriate curricula for working with students. Implement appropriate curricula or demonstrate creativity in developing programs/training to assist grant personnel. Seek assistance from the VR Transition Specialist as needed.
8. Provide guidance to grant personnel on how to help students receive one or more of the five identified Pre-ETS, in order to make meaningful progress and/or achieve employment goals and objectives.
9. Schedule and attend events and training with the VR Transition Specialist, VR Counselor, and other TSW grant employees to further ensure student goals are met.
10. Notify the VR Transition Specialist/Supervisor of upcoming IEP meetings. Attend IEP Team Meetings to report student progress and to explain the process for referral to VR for IEP Team Members.
11. If the students within the LEA are receiving services from a Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP), ensure that there is no duplication of services provided to the students.
12. Promptly address student, work site, and/or LEA complaints and work to resolve the problem. Seek guidance from the VR Transition Specialist/Supervisor as needed.
13. Assist students (and their families) in completing necessary documentation for postsecondary education applications and financial aid assistance.
14. Serve as a liaison to the disability services offices within institutions of higher education.
15. If the LEA has a Project SEARCH® site, assist the Project SEARCH® team by recommending and selecting students to complete the year-long internship. Make sure that the VR counselor has all of the necessary material to complete the VR eligibility process.
16. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and a professional demeanor, and represent both the LEA and Tennessee VR in a positive manner at all times.
17. Ensure all Pre-ETS monthly reporting is completed accurately on the forms provided and sent to designated personnel timely each month. Receive referrals from LEA personnel and inform the VR Transition Specialist/Supervisor of any new VR referrals.
18. Stay current on best practices, laws, and regulations related to transition services for students with disabilities. Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
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Family Resource Coordinator Job Duties:
1. Implementation of goals and objectives
2. Access to the services of agencies and resources within the community and surrounding area.
3. Presenting or coordinating programs/according to needs assessments.
4. Working with all age students, parents, and personnel, respecting racial, ethnic, and cultural diversities.
5. Maintaining a non-threatening approach to families, children, and anyone connected to the program, while encouraging those in need toward empowerment rather than dependency.
6. Working with professional service organizations and knowing their services.
7. Having collaborative skills with agency personnel from throughout the county and working in a professional manner, recognizing confidentiality.
Did anyone get an invitation for Rooms via text or email? ACCEPT IT!!!
Please create an account for school communication and updates.
Please create an account for school communication and updates.
YOU NEED THIS APP!!! IT'S GREAT!
In your App Store, please download Decatur County Schools.
- Receive instant notifications. Receive instant notifications of new messages and announcements, even if you haven't downloaded the district app.
- Get one unified hub. All school and district communication, updates, and alerts are conveniently located in one single app and web experience, with one single login.
- Message staff in one click. Easily connect with teachers, coaches, counselors, and more, and see all of your messages in one inbox.
In your App Store, please download Decatur County Schools.
- Receive instant notifications. Receive instant notifications of new messages and announcements, even if you haven't downloaded the district app.
- Get one unified hub. All school and district communication, updates, and alerts are conveniently located in one single app and web experience, with one single login.
- Message staff in one click. Easily connect with teachers, coaches, counselors, and more, and see all of your messages in one inbox.
Riverside family,
We have great news regarding our beloved Riverside “R!”
Decatur County School System has received verbal permission from Rice University, through their patent attorney, to continue using their trademarked Old English “R” for non-profit, educational purposes while a low-cost licensing agreement is finalized.
This decision allows Riverside—and all of Decatur County—to proudly continue wearing and displaying the Old English “R,” a symbol that has come to represent our school spirit, tradition, and community pride for many years. We will wear it not only with pride, but also with deep gratitude.
A special word of thanks goes to Hannah Wood Lee, whose time, dedication, and expertise made this outcome possible. Please take a moment to thank her for her generous efforts in preserving a long-standing tradition that means so much to Riverside High School and to our entire community.
GO PANTHERS!
Melinda J. Thompson, Director
Decatur County Schools
Invitation to bid:
System Spotlight: SFC Jason McCarley
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Decatur County Schools is proud to shine a spotlight on Sergeant First Class Jason McCarley, whose story is one of perseverance, service, and success.
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Jason moved into Decatur County with his family and continued his education in Decatur County Schools. During his senior year, he made the decision to step away from the traditional classroom to begin working, completing his GED through Adult Education with Mrs. Rebecca Webb. Refusing to let that be the end of his educational journey, Jason later returned as an adult learner to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Bethel University—a powerful reminder that there are many paths to success.
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Reflecting on his school years, Jason shared: “I loved my time at Decatur County Schools. It helped shape my future and always felt like home for a kid like me who had moved around his entire life.”
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For the past 32 years, Jason has served our country in the U.S. Army, a career that has demanded sacrifice, resilience, and strength. His first deployment came in March 2005 with the Parsons National Guard unit, marking the beginning of many sacrifices for both him and his family.
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- 21 years, 9 months, 17 days of active duty service
- 3 different uniforms were worn throughout his career
- 2 deployments to Iraq
- Countless weekends, trainings, schools, and missions that kept him away from home and family
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Jason’s journey has been made possible with the love and support of his wife of 31 years, Crystal Blankenship McCarley, a Riverside graduate. Together, they have raised three children and are now blessed with one granddaughter. His family has stood by him through every deployment, training, and milestone, sharing in both the sacrifices and the pride of his service.
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As Jason retires, he leaves behind a legacy of commitment—to his education, his family, his country, and his community.
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On behalf of Decatur County Schools and the entire community, we celebrate your retirement and extend our gratitude for your decades of service to both our country and our hometown. We are deeply proud of you.
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We also honor Crystal and all military spouses who serve in their own way—standing strong, supporting their families, and sharing in the sacrifices that military life demands.
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Congratulations, SFC McCarley—HOOAH!
WE NEED YOU!!!
Now Hiring: SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT / PARAPROFESSIONAL
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The Decatur County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Special Education Assistant for Parsons Elementary.
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Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith at hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online here: https://forms.gle/DTLJ8Jjqwupmq1te8
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Qualifications:
* High school diploma or GED
* Must be 21 years old
* Must verify 2 years of college or pass the Parapro Assessment
* Must be able to pass a TBI Fingerprint Background Check
* Submit a physical by a Licensed Physician
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The deadline for applying is Friday, August 22, 2025
Now Hiring: SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT / PARAPROFESSIONAL
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The Decatur County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Special Education Assistant for Parsons Elementary.
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Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith at hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online here: https://forms.gle/DTLJ8Jjqwupmq1te8
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Qualifications:
* High school diploma or GED
* Must be 21 years old
* Must verify 2 years of college or pass the Parapro Assessment
* Must be able to pass a TBI Fingerprint Background Check
* Submit a physical by a Licensed Physician
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The deadline for applying is Friday, August 22, 2025
LEAPS Afterschool at Decaturville Elementary and Parsons Elementary will begin next Monday August 18th. Student applications are available in the school office.
The Decatur County Board of Education will meet at 6:15 pm on Thursday, August 14th at the Decatur County Board of Education. Public Input will begin at 6:00 pm.
📅 Attendance Matters!
When scheduling appointments or planning vacations, please remember to check our school calendar first. Every day in class is a valuable learning opportunity, and consistent attendance is essential for our students to succeed.
Let’s work together to make sure our Panther Pack is present, engaged, and ready to learn all year long!
When scheduling appointments or planning vacations, please remember to check our school calendar first. Every day in class is a valuable learning opportunity, and consistent attendance is essential for our students to succeed.
Let’s work together to make sure our Panther Pack is present, engaged, and ready to learn all year long!
ATTENTION: PRE-K STUDENTS
A mandatory meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 12th at 5:30 pm in the Parsons Elementary Cafeteria for all students enrolled in a PreK class for the 2025-26 school year. At least one representative per student is required to attend.
A mandatory meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 12th at 5:30 pm in the Parsons Elementary Cafeteria for all students enrolled in a PreK class for the 2025-26 school year. At least one representative per student is required to attend.
August Breakfast and Lunch for RHS
August Breakfast and Lunch Menu PES/DES/DCMS
Invitation to Bid:
- Approximately 40,000 gallons of low sulfur diesel fuel
Decatur County Schools Family,
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As our new administration begins, we are committed to being transparent and open with our community. With that being said, we would like to inform each of you about an issue related to our Riverside High School "R" logo.
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Recently, the school received a formal notice from Rice University and its licensing company, Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), requesting that we stop using the “R” logo because it is their registered trademark.
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Although this may seem frustrating or even a little absurd, our legal counsel has confirmed that the request is legitimate. Education attorney Chris Hayden shared,
“CLC is a legitimate organization and the largest collegiate intellectual property management company. The email checks out, and I expect it is valid. If we ignored CLC and they filed an infringement action against us, we would lose. There’s no way our usage of it would fall under fair use or any other infringement exception.”
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This issue is becoming more common for schools across the country. Attorney Ben Torres, Tennessee School Board Association, also explained that this issue is becoming more common for schools across the country, adding:
“This is a topic that has started to show up more and more with high schools. We’ve even seen this happen recently in Tennessee, like with Cheatham County Middle School. The college may be willing to grant a license at a low cost, or you could negotiate for more time. But removing the logo online is the immediate priority.”
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Attorney Hayden further explained why Rice University must enforce this issue:
“If an IP owner allows others to use their property without policing it, courts have ruled that they’ve abandoned it. That’s why Rice and CLC have to be aggressive in sending these kinds of letters, even to small rural schools. These companies hire people—and now use AI—to scan the internet daily to find entities using the Rice ‘R.’ And in this instance, they found you.”
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Director Thompson and the Decatur County Board of Education are actively exploring our options, including:
- Exploring whether a license from Rice University is a viable path forward.
- Evaluating the financial implications of licensing versus rebranding.
- If needed, requesting more time to make necessary changes.
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While the situation is not one we expected, it does give us the opportunity to consider a future identity that is uniquely and proudly Riverside.
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We understand this “R” has become a symbol of pride for our students, staff, and community. But Riverside has always been about more than a logo — it's about heart, tradition, and the people who make our Panther family what it is.
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NOTE: We ask that you refrain from posting or using the Old English R that Rice has trademarked until we have an approved plan of action. Going forward, we will communicate more information as it becomes available.
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Once a Panther, Always a Panther. Together, we will move forward.
.
As our new administration begins, we are committed to being transparent and open with our community. With that being said, we would like to inform each of you about an issue related to our Riverside High School "R" logo.
.
Recently, the school received a formal notice from Rice University and its licensing company, Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), requesting that we stop using the “R” logo because it is their registered trademark.
.
Although this may seem frustrating or even a little absurd, our legal counsel has confirmed that the request is legitimate. Education attorney Chris Hayden shared,
“CLC is a legitimate organization and the largest collegiate intellectual property management company. The email checks out, and I expect it is valid. If we ignored CLC and they filed an infringement action against us, we would lose. There’s no way our usage of it would fall under fair use or any other infringement exception.”
.
This issue is becoming more common for schools across the country. Attorney Ben Torres, Tennessee School Board Association, also explained that this issue is becoming more common for schools across the country, adding:
“This is a topic that has started to show up more and more with high schools. We’ve even seen this happen recently in Tennessee, like with Cheatham County Middle School. The college may be willing to grant a license at a low cost, or you could negotiate for more time. But removing the logo online is the immediate priority.”
.
Attorney Hayden further explained why Rice University must enforce this issue:
“If an IP owner allows others to use their property without policing it, courts have ruled that they’ve abandoned it. That’s why Rice and CLC have to be aggressive in sending these kinds of letters, even to small rural schools. These companies hire people—and now use AI—to scan the internet daily to find entities using the Rice ‘R.’ And in this instance, they found you.”
.
Director Thompson and the Decatur County Board of Education are actively exploring our options, including:
- Exploring whether a license from Rice University is a viable path forward.
- Evaluating the financial implications of licensing versus rebranding.
- If needed, requesting more time to make necessary changes.
.
While the situation is not one we expected, it does give us the opportunity to consider a future identity that is uniquely and proudly Riverside.
.
We understand this “R” has become a symbol of pride for our students, staff, and community. But Riverside has always been about more than a logo — it's about heart, tradition, and the people who make our Panther family what it is.
.
NOTE: We ask that you refrain from posting or using the Old English R that Rice has trademarked until we have an approved plan of action. Going forward, we will communicate more information as it becomes available.
.
Once a Panther, Always a Panther. Together, we will move forward.
JOIN OUR TEAM:
The Decatur County School System is seeking applications for a Substitute School Nurse.
Applicants must have an Active LPN or RN license with experience in Pediatric Nursing preferred.
Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office, 59 West Main Street, Decaturville, TN 38329 or picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith at hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online here: https://forms.gle/DTLJ8Jjqwupmq1te8
The Decatur County School System is seeking applications for a Substitute School Nurse.
Applicants must have an Active LPN or RN license with experience in Pediatric Nursing preferred.
Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office, 59 West Main Street, Decaturville, TN 38329 or picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith at hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online here: https://forms.gle/DTLJ8Jjqwupmq1te8
The Decatur County Board of Education will have a special called meeting at 6:00 pm on Thursday, July 31st at the Decatur County Board of Education.