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After more than 35 years in education, Mr. Jeff Melton is retiring from Decatur County Schools. Throughout his career, he served students in Special Education and dedicated many years to supporting the educational needs of children in our community.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Melton worked with students requiring individualized instruction and support, helping them navigate challenges and reach their educational goals. His steady presence and willingness to serve made him a valued member of the school community.
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Riverside High School Principal Mrs. Amanda Keeton shared:
"Mr. Melton was a hard worker who took on any task, big or small. He was well-liked by both students and teachers and was always willing to help wherever he was needed. We appreciate his years of service to Riverside High School and wish him the very best in retirement."
Human Resources Director Mr. Hugh Smith added:
"Serving in education for more than 35 years is a significant milestone. We appreciate Mr. Melton's commitment to Decatur County Schools and thank him for the years he invested in serving our students. We wish him all the best as he begins this next chapter."
Dr. Amanda Creasy reflected:
"Mr. Melton always offered a smile and a kind word. He genuinely enjoyed working with students, and that was evident in the way he approached each school day. I wish him a happy and fulfilling retirement."
As he closes this chapter of his career, Decatur County Schools thanks Mr. Jeff Melton for his years of service and dedication to our students.
Congratulations, Mr. Melton, on your retirement. We wish you good health, happiness, and many enjoyable years ahead.

Meet Mrs. Lana Tyler – Decatur County Middle School's New 5th Grade Science Teacher
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Decatur County Schools is excited to welcome Mrs. Lana Tyler to the Panther family as the new 5th Grade Science Teacher at Decatur County Middle School!
Mrs. Tyler brings years of classroom experience and a passion for helping students discover the world around them through science. She earned her Master's in Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin and previously taught middle school science at Hardin County Middle School, where she developed a reputation for creating engaging lessons and building meaningful relationships with students.
As she begins this new chapter, Mrs. Tyler's goal is simple: to create a classroom where every student feels safe, encouraged, and excited to learn. She looks forward to getting to know each student's unique personality, strengths, and learning style while building a positive classroom culture centered on curiosity, respect, and success.
For Mrs. Tyler, this opportunity is especially meaningful because it brings her closer to home. She and her husband, Jerry, are the proud parents of Tristen, Kamryn, and Emma, and grandparents to Simon Tyler and John Luke Derryberry. Family has always been at the center of her life, making this homecoming even more special.
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"I am thankful for the opportunity to join Decatur County Middle School. I am looking forward to working with the staff, becoming part of the school community, and helping students have a successful year."
— Mrs. Lana Tyler
Decatur County Middle School Principal Ms. Kodi Beck shared:
"We are glad to welcome Mrs. Lana Tyler to DCMS! She has already proven herself to be incredibly hard-working and dedicated to her students' best interests. Her love for science and creating engaging, inspiring lessons has made her a standout educator. I am ecstatic to bring such a kind and warm person on board for our 5th graders."
Director of Schools Mrs. Melinda Thompson added:
"Mrs. Tyler's experience, heart for students, and commitment to excellence make her a wonderful addition to Decatur County Schools. We are excited to welcome her to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and school community."
Dr. Amanda Creasy, Grants and Communications Director, said:
"Mrs. Tyler is a homegrown educator who is coming home, and we couldn't be more proud. It's always special to welcome talented educators back to the community that helped shape them. We are excited to support Lana in this new role and know she will make a lasting impact on our students, our school, and our community."
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Please join us in giving Mrs. Lana Tyler a warm Panther welcome! We are thrilled to have her as part of the Decatur County Schools family and look forward to an outstanding year at Decatur County Middle School.

Meet Andrew Swortzel – Riverside High School's New Band & Choir Teacher
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Decatur County Schools is proud to welcome Mr. Andrew Swortzel as the new Band and Choir Teacher at Riverside High School!
A graduate of Bolivar Central High School, Mr. Swortzel earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Tennessee Technological University. Throughout his career, he has served students in Haywood County Schools, Hardeman County Schools, and Fayette County Public Schools, gaining valuable experience while building successful music programs and inspiring young musicians.
As he begins this exciting new chapter at Riverside High School, Mr. Swortzel's goal is to continue the tradition of excellence that has defined the Riverside High School Band for generations while building upon its rich history. He is eager to work alongside talented students, dedicated faculty, and a community that values and supports music education.
Mr. Swortzel's passion for teaching began while sitting in his 7th grade band class, where he realized he wanted to become a band director and help develop the next generation of musicians. Outside the classroom, he enjoys performing with his band, SmallShack, woodworking, and spending time with his wife, Haley, whom he married in November 2024.
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"I look forward to meeting all the faculty, staff, and students and creating lasting relationships with each and every one!"
— Andrew Swortzel
Riverside High School Principal Mrs. Amanda Keeton shared:
"We are thrilled to welcome Andrew to the Panther family. His passion for music education, commitment to students, and excitement for continuing Riverside's outstanding band tradition make him a wonderful addition to our school. I know our students will benefit greatly from his leadership, and I look forward to watching our music program continue to thrive under his direction."
Decatur County Schools HR Director Mr. Hugh Smith added:
"We are very excited to have Andrew join our Decatur County Schools family! His work ethic, experience, and enthusiasm for music education will be a tremendous asset to our school and community. We are looking forward to seeing our Riverside High School Band achieve excellence in the years to follow."
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Please join us in giving Mr. Andrew Swortzel a warm Panther welcome as he joins the Decatur County Schools family. We can't wait to see the incredible things ahead for our Riverside High School music program!


After 30 years of faithfully serving students, Mrs. Wendy Hendrix is beginning a well-deserved retirement. Decatur County Schools is honored to celebrate her remarkable career and the lasting impact she has made on generations of children and families.
Mrs. Wendy devoted 18 of her 30 years in education to Decatur County Schools. During her career, she served as a Kindergarten and 1st Grade teacher before later becoming an interventionist, helping struggling learners build confidence and achieve success. Whether teaching a classroom full of young students or working one-on-one with children needing extra support, Mrs. Wendy always approached each day with patience, compassion, and a genuine love for children.
As she begins this exciting new chapter, Mrs. Wendy looks forward to spending more time with her family—especially spoiling her grandchildren, a role she is certain to enjoy just as much as teaching.
Director of Schools Mrs. Melinda Thompson shared:
"Mrs. Wendy Hendrix has dedicated three decades to helping children learn, grow, and believe in themselves. Her kindness and commitment to students have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless families. We are incredibly grateful for her 18 years of service to Decatur County Schools and wish her many years of happiness in retirement."
Dr. Amanda Creasy reflected on the privilege of working alongside Mrs. Wendy:
"I have worked with Mrs. Wendy for years, spending many hours tutoring with her after school. I have seen firsthand the commitment and dedication she poured into her students day after day. She always put children first and never hesitated to give the extra time and effort needed to help them succeed. Decatur County Schools has been blessed by her servant's heart, and I am thankful to have called her both a colleague and a friend."
Former Parsons Elementary School Principal Mrs. Renae Lomax shared:
"I was proud to get Wendy at Parsons Elementary School, where she served as a wonderful Kindergarten and First Grade teacher for me. Wendy was a great teacher who had the gift of truly caring about her students. She always pushed them to reach their potential academically. She also reached out to help students or their families in other ways if they had a personal need. I am grateful to have worked with teachers like her!"
Mrs. Wendy Hendrix leaves behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and unwavering dedication to children. Her influence will continue to be seen in the lives of the many students she taught, encouraged, and inspired throughout her career.
Thank you, Mrs. Wendy Hendrix, for 30 years of making a difference in children's lives. Congratulations on your retirement! We wish you many wonderful adventures, precious moments with your grandchildren, and every happiness in this next chapter.

A huge thank you to Riverside High School students Teanna Odle and Ripken Williams, who joined Mrs. Christina Barber in bringing this incredible story-themed mural to life in the Decatur County Middle School library at the request of Mrs. Chasidee Puckett.
These talented artists devoted their time and energy throughout June to create a space that inspires imagination, adventure, and a love of reading. Their hard work has transformed the library into a place where every book opens the door to a new adventure.
Thank you for sharing your talents with our students and helping make DCMS even more special!

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The Decatur County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Middle School Science Teacher.
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Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in Secondary Science Grades 6-12, K-8, 1-8, or Middle Grades Science. Applicants must also pass a TBI fingerprint and background screening before the upcoming school year.
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Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith, Personnel Supervisor, Decatur County Board of Education, 59 West Main Street, Decaturville, TN, or emailed to hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online: https://forms.gle/GpT7FxfhXFnhN22C7
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The deadline for applying is Friday, July 10, 2026

Below is a new updated link for ParentVUE for anyone still needing to register your student.
https://tn-dec-psv.edupoint.com/PXP2_Login_Parent.aspx?regenerateSessionId=true
Message
ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!!!
Decatur County Schools - Returning Students ONLY
✅ Complete all required forms in ParentVUE
✅ Forms must be completed before school begins
✅ Review and submit forms even if information has not changed
✅ Enter 8/3/26 when a date is requested
✅ Important: Set Text Permission to YES in the phone number section.
💻 Students will not receive a Chromebook until forms are completed.
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Need Help?
Dr. Scott King
731-847-1750
scott.king@decaturschools.org
Please include your student's name and school when requesting help.
* Families wishing to complete online registration for new students should contact Dr. Scott King.
Thank you for helping us prepare for a smooth and successful 2026-2027 school year!
Alerts Recipients
All Guardian ListAll Staff ListAll Student ListCentral Office Staff+ 1 more

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Decatur County Schools proudly celebrates the retirement of Mrs. Nancy Box, a dedicated educator whose career spanned more than 31 years of service to the students and families of our community.
For more than three decades, Mrs. Nancy poured her heart into education, spending the majority of her career teaching 6th and 7th-grade students. She concluded her career as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. She was known for helping students from diverse backgrounds find success, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the classroom.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Nancy was known not only for her dedication to academic excellence but also for the genuine care and compassion she showed every student who walked through her door. She built relationships, encouraged growth, and created an environment where students felt valued and supported.
District leaders and colleagues reflected on the tremendous impact Mrs. Nancy has had throughout her career.
Director of Schools Mrs. Melinda Thompson shared:
"Mrs. Nancy Box represents the best of Decatur County Schools. For more than three decades, she has invested her heart, knowledge, and compassion into countless students. Her dedication and servant's heart have left a lasting legacy that will continue for years to come."
Longtime friend and colleague Mrs. Tammy Marshall added:
"Nancy has been a wonderful friend and encourager to so many of us. Her teaching may end, but the difference she made never will. This may conclude her teaching career, but her best chapters are still being written."
Dr. Amanda Creasy reflected on the personal impact Mrs. Nancy had on her career:
"Mrs. Nancy was more than a colleague; she was a friend. When I began my teaching career at the middle school, she took me in, made sure every question was answered, and advised me as needed. She always made herself available to help, encourage, and support us all, and it was a privilege to work alongside her."
Mrs. Nancy Box leaves behind a legacy of service, friendship, compassion, and excellence. Her influence will continue to be seen in the thousands of students she taught, the colleagues she mentored, and the lives she touched along the way.
Decatur County Schools extends its deepest gratitude to Mrs. Nancy Box for her 31+ years of dedicated service and wishes her a retirement filled with adventure, cherished family memories, happy travels with Mr. Ricky, plenty of time for crafting, and lots of love from her grandchildren and fur babies.
Congratulations, Mrs. Nancy Box, on a remarkable career and a well-earned retirement!


Decatur County Schools - Returning Students ONLY
✅ Complete all required forms in ParentVUE
✅ Forms must be completed before school begins
✅ Review and submit forms even if information has not changed
✅ Enter 8/3/26 when a date is requested
✅ Important: Set Text Permission to YES in the phone number section.
💻 Students will not receive a Chromebook until forms are completed.
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Need Help?
Dr. Scott King
731-847-1750
scott.king@decaturschools.org
Please include your student's name and school when requesting help.
* Families wishing to complete online registration for new students should contact Dr. Scott King.
Thank you for helping us prepare for a smooth and successful 2026-2027 school year!

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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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For more information, please contact Mrs. Michelle McElrath, Supervisor of Special Education Services (731)847-5908 or michelle.mcelrath@decaturschools.org
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The deadline for applying is Friday, June 12, 2026



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Decaturville Elementary is excited to announce the addition of our new Lending Library, created especially for our students to enjoy reading beyond the classroom walls!
Students are encouraged to borrow books from the library, enjoy reading them at home, and then return them so another student can enjoy them as well. Once students finish reading a book, they may also take an AR test at school before exchanging it for another exciting read!
Decaturville Elementary Principal, Mrs. Christee Clenney, shared:
“We are so excited to provide our students with another opportunity to develop a love for reading. Our Lending Library helps place books directly into the hands of children and encourages learning far beyond the school day. Reading opens doors, and we hope this little library inspires a lifetime love of books.”
A very special THANK YOU goes to Vulcan Materials for building and installing our beautiful Lending Library. They are phenomenal community partners, and we greatly appreciate their continued support of our students and school community!
📖 Special Lending Library Guidelines:
• Please borrow books and return them when finished.
• At this time, we ask that community members do not place any books directly into the library that have not been approved. (Approved books will have an AR number, grade level, and AR point value in the inside cover.)
• School administration will review and approve all donated materials before they are added.
• A designated drop-off location for book donations is coming soon!
Thank you for helping us encourage literacy, imagination, and a love for learning at Decaturville Elementary!




Every student in PreK through 8th grade has been given a sign-up sheet to bring home.


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Decatur County Schools is excited to announce that all students will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2026–27 school year.
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This opportunity is a tremendous blessing for our students, families, and community. Providing nutritious meals each day helps ensure students are prepared to learn, grow, and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
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The district would like to extend a very special thank you to Mrs. Sherry Boroughs for her dedication, hard work, and commitment to staying on top of procedures, protocols, and program requirements that helped make this possible. Her attention to detail and persistence played a major role in securing this opportunity for Decatur County students.
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We also want to recognize our incredible cafeteria managers and cafeteria staff across the district. You all are truly superstars! Day after day, you go far beyond what is expected. You serve our students with kindness, care, and compassion, and it does not go unnoticed. The impact you make reaches far beyond the cafeteria line, and we are deeply thankful for each of you.
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Director of Schools Melinda Thompson shared:
“We are extremely excited to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students for the 2026–27 school year. We know proper nutrition plays a vital role in student success, and this will help support families across our county. We are incredibly thankful for Mrs. Sherry Boroughs and our cafeteria teams for the hard work they put in every single day to care for our students. Their dedication truly makes a difference.”
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At Decatur County Schools, we remain committed to supporting students academically, emotionally, and physically — because every student matters, every day.

