
The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for a Decatur County Board of Education Receptionist for the 2025-2026 school year.
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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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Applicants should have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, must complete a TBI fingerprint Background check, and have a Physician’s Certificate. This is a 12-month position. Salary commensurate with certification and experience.
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This position requires proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, Excel, and Google Docs. This position requires strong interpersonal skills, effective communication, high professional standards, multitasking, organization, dependability, punctuality, and the ability to work in an office setting.
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This is a 12-month position with a standard work week schedule of M-F from 7:30 a.m-3:30 p.m. In addition, the Board Receptionist will be responsible for organizing monthly Board packets and attending monthly school board meetings to serve as recorder on the second Thursday evening of each month at 6:00 p.m.
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For more information, please contact Mrs. Melinda Thompson, Director of Schools, melinda.thompson@decaturschools.org or (731)852-2391.
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Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, June 25, 2025.


Welcome to the Panther Pack, Mrs. Kailey McKenzie!
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Decatur County Schools are thrilled to welcome Kailey McKenzie as our newest educator! A proud alumna herself, Kailey is coming home to the halls where her own learning journey began.
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Kailey brings a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and three years of experience teaching 4th grade at Lexington City Schools, where she taught Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts.
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Her passion? Cultivating a love of reading in every student. Mrs. Kailey states, “It’s my greatest joy when students excitedly share their books with me and even give me recommendations. That’s how I know I’ve made a difference.”
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Kailey is especially excited to give back to her hometown community of Decatur County, alongside her husband Grant and their two daughters, Caroline and Charlotte.
Outside the classroom, you’ll likely find her deep in a novel—she’s part of three book clubs!
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Mrs. McKenzie is assigned to Parsons Elementary, teaching 4th Grade ELA.
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PES Principal, Mrs. Lisa Renfroe, shares: “I am very excited to have her on board. I’m already very impressed with the excitement she has to be at Parsons Elementary and to meet her students. Kailey went to school as a student at Parsons Elementary, and so I’m very excited for her and her family to be back.”
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Please join us in giving a warm PES welcome to Kailey McKenzie—we can’t wait to see the magic she brings to our school!
#WelcomeToPES
#ParsonsElementary
#DecaturCountySchools
#TeacherSpotlight
#BackToWhereItAllBegan


The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for the position of Decaturville Elementary Bookkeeper for the 2025-2026 school year.
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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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Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be able to successfully pass a TBI fingerprint background check. This position requires proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, Excel, Google Docs, and Basic Accounting Skills (budgets, reports, ledgers, accounts payable, and purchase orders). This position requires interpersonal skills, high professional standards, multi-tasking, organization, dependability, punctuality, and the ability to work in an office and school environment.
The deadline for applying is Friday, June 20, 2025


The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for the position of Bus Mechanic 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://forms.gle/DTLJ8Jjqwupmq1te8
Applicants should have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, must complete a TBI fingerprint Background check, and have a Physician’s Certificate. This is a 12-month position. Salary commensurate with certification and experience.
For more information, please contact the Decatur County Schools Transportation Department at (731) 852-3259. For additional information, please see the Job Description below:
DECATUR COUNTY SCHOOLS-BUS MECHANIC-JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Bus Mechanic
REPORTS TO: Transportation Supervisor
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but not limited to:
1. The Bus Mechanic is responsible for inspecting all buses frequently to ensure that they are in excellent condition and safe to transport students to and from the Centers, on field trips and for other applicable events.
2. The Bus Mechanic provides preventative maintenance, safety inspections and annual Dept. of Transportation inspections for all buses.
3. This position diagnoses and performs all phases of vehicle and equipment repair, including brakes, suspensions, drive trains, transmissions, oil changes and tire rotations subcontracting repair work to outside service providers after review with Bus Transportation Coordinator.
4. The Bus Mechanic ensures work orders are completed accurately and timely.
5. This position assists with mobile emergency services.
6. This position is responsible for replacing parts, ordering new parts as needed and testing buses to ensure they are working properly before they return to service.
7. The Bus Mechanic maintains records of maintenance on repairs performed on each bus.
8. The Bus Mechanic communicates with drivers to identify and address any issues identified while driving buses.
9. This position will follow established safety protocols to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.
10. The Bus Mechanic will attend trainings to stay up-to-date on new technology and techniques pertaining to bus maintenance.
11. The Bus Mechanic will participate in all ongoing and required trainings to include but not limited to Tennessee Dept. of Transportation (TDOT), agency trainings, etc.
12. The Bus Mechanic maintains a positive relationship with the families and children enrolled in the program and Agency staff communicating all applicable bus department changes as needed.
13. This position will act as a substitute Bus Driver as needed.
14. The Bus Mechanic is required to follow all established county transportation policies and procedures
15. This position must maintain confidentiality of all information pertaining to children and families enrolled with the schools.
16. This position works collaboratively with co-workers to maintain and ensure a fully-functional fleet of buses.
17. The Bus Mechanic attends staff meetings, in-services, etc. as required.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or equivalent is required. Valid driver’s license and current CDL Class B with P endorsement, and S endorsement required or to be obtained post hire. Three years of automotive or diesel maintenance and repair experience preferred. Auto Service Excellence (ASE) credential preferred. Experience with DOT guidelines and requirements preferred. Proficiency in computer skills to include Microsoft Office products preferred. Analytical skills, excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently and meet deadlines required. Operating and driving knowledge of school buses preferred. Must be able to provide their own transportation to and from work and throughout the work day.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in a setting with moderate safety issues. Travel to outside meetings, trainings, conferences, home visits, Agency sites, etc. This position requires sitting, standing, bending crouching, lying on back and moderate lifting. Work performed in the physical environment of a vehicle maintenance area.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position. It does not imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee maybe required to perform other job-related duties as requested by their direct Supervisor.
The deadline for applying is Friday, June 20, 2025


PES - Invitation to Bid


Decatur County Board of Education Meeting
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Public input begins at 6:00 p.m. and the meeting at 6:15 p.m.


The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for High School Guidance Counselor 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
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in School Counseling PreK-12 (Endorsement 487) or willing to acquire through an approved School Counselor licensure program will be considered for the position.
The deadline for applying is Sunday, June 15, 2025.
For questions or inquiries, please contact Ms. Amanda Keeton, RHS Vice Principal, at amanda.keeton@decaturschools.org or (731) 852-3941.


A Teacher’s Heart Extends Far Beyond the Classroom Walls
At Decatur County Middle School, we are constantly reminded that education is not just about lessons taught—it’s about lives inspired. One remarkable example of this is sixth-grade science teacher, Mr. Justin Kelley.
Mr. Kelley recently took it upon himself to apply for a classroom set of guitars through the Songbirds Foundation in Chattanooga—a program aimed at supporting music education and enriching student experiences. Out of many applicants across the state, Mr. Kelley was selected as a recipient, securing an incredible set of guitars and resources that will have a lasting impact on our students.
What makes this story even more special is that Mr. Kelley didn’t do this for recognition or reward—he did it out of love for his students. Twice a week, during the afterschool program, Mr. Kelley teaches guitar lessons, helping students develop creativity, discipline, and confidence in a fun, engaging way. For many of them, this is their first time learning a musical instrument—an experience they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.
When asked about being selected, Mr. Kelley humbly said, “I’m just proud to be able to do something for my kids. This is a blessing.”
Mr. Justin Kelley, your humility, initiative, and heart for our youth are exactly what make Decatur County schools so special. You’ve not only brought music into the classroom—you’ve brought hope, opportunity, and inspiration.
We are extremely proud of you, Mr. Justin, and grateful for everything you do to invest in the next generation. Your passion is making a difference every single day.
Let’s all show Mr. Kelley some love and appreciation in the comments—and thank him for proving that teachers change the world one student at a time. 🎸🍎💙


PARENTS:


The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for an Assistant Principal at Decatur County Middle School (Grades 5-8) for the 2025-2026 school year.
Applicants should submit a detailed resume that includes previous employment experience and all Tennessee teacher license certifications. 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 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdH12Vhs88SbPo7m3YU1wKVMEgiBhlCle_PzZnf9iYXRqq0tg/viewform.
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in School Administration and Supervision (ILL-Professional Administrator 443 or ILL-Beginning Administrator 442) will be considered for the position.
The deadline for applying is Friday, June 13, 2025.
For questions or inquiries, please contact Melinda Thompson, Director of Schools.
(731) 852-2391 or melinda.thompson@decaturschools.org.


The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for a High School Math teaching position for the 2025-2026 school year.
Applicants should submit a detailed resume that includes previous employment experience and all Tennessee teacher license certifications. Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office or downloaded from www.decaturcountyschools.com under the Employment tab.
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 Mathematics 6-12, 7-12, or 6-10 will be considered for the position.
The deadline for applying is Friday, June 13, 2025.


New Registration for all schools in Decatur County:


R H S LADIES VOLLEYBALL


🌞📚 Summer School is Almost Here! 📚🌞
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Don't forget to complete and return your Summer School application! All forms are due by Thursday, May 15th.
Let’s keep the learning going strong this summer! ☀️✏️

🎉 IT'S TIME!
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Click the link below to register for the 2025–26 school year.
Let’s get ahead and make it a great year!
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👉 https://www.decaturcountyschools.com/.../student...


Happy School Nurse Day to our amazing staff! 🩺💙
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Without you, our schools wouldn’t be the safe, healthy, and caring places they are. Thank you for your compassion, your calm in every storm, and your dedication to every student and staff member. You go above and beyond every single day, and we are so grateful for you!
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#SchoolNurseDay #ThankYouNurses #DecaturCountySchools


🎉 IT'S TIME!
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Click the link below to register for the 2025–26 school year.
Let’s get ahead and make it a great year!
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👉 https://www.decaturcountyschools.com/.../student...


Decatur County Virtual Academy is a valuable educational option offered by Decatur County Schools! 🌟
If you're seeking an alternative route for your child's learning journey — one that offers flexibility, support, and academic excellence — look no further.
📞 Contact our team today to learn more about how Virtual Academy can meet your family's needs and support your child's success!


Decatur County Schools is proud to announce our...


Decatur County Board of Education Meeting
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Public input begins at 6:00 p.m. and the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
