RHS & DCMS PARENTS:
Please fill this form out to give permission for your child to take the Tennessee School Climate Survey.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpAvNMOvCO7_l27g--mmeRnSmRCFSHptn5El8Eoql6G1edTg/viewform?usp=header
Thank you, all!
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In December, Decatur County Schools proudly honored the retirement of Mrs. Barbara Ivey, a dedicated Special Education teacher whose career spanned three decades of faithful service to students and families.
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Mrs. Ivey’s journey into education was inspired early on by influential figures in her life. She credits her Aunt Robbie James and several of her own teachers with planting the seed. One teacher in particular, Ms. Glenda Moore, left a lasting impression and helped shape her desire to teach.
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She began her career with two years of part-time teaching through the JTPA grant before moving into Special Education full-time. Her years of service included time in the Riverside LRE Classroom from 1996–2009, again from 2015–2021, and most recently at Parsons Elementary School from 2021–2025.
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Throughout her career, Mrs. Ivey found her greatest joy in the everyday victories that only a teacher truly understands. “My greatest joy was always the light bulb moment when my students would grasp the concept I was teaching and knowing they felt happy and safe in my classroom,” she shared. Creating a space where students felt secure and valued was always at the heart of her work.
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As she steps into retirement, she says she will miss her students and coworkers most of all. The relationships she built over the years were not just professional — they were personal and meaningful.
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Her advice to today’s teachers reflects the compassion that defined her career: “Just love your students. At the end of the day, you may be the only safe place they look for when they may not have that at home.” Those words capture the spirit of a teacher who understood that education is about far more than academics.
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District leaders echoed that sentiment as they reflected on her career.
Director of Schools Mrs. Melinda Thompson shared, “Mrs. Ivey has exemplified what it truly means to serve children with patience, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Her commitment to ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and capable of success has left a lasting impact on our district.”
Human Resources Director Mr. Hugh Smith added, “Thirty years of service is a remarkable milestone, but what stands out most is the consistency and care Mrs. Ivey brought to her role each day. She has been a dependable advocate for students with special needs, and her legacy will continue to influence our schools for years to come.”
Parsons Elementary Principal Ms. Lisa Renfroe summed it up: “Mrs. Barbara loved her students. She made her classroom a safe place, and that matters more than anything.”
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Mrs. Barbara Ivey leaves behind a legacy of dedication, heart, and unwavering love for children. Her impact will continue to be felt in the lives of the many students she taught and in the lives of the colleagues who had the privilege of working alongside her.
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Decatur County Schools is deeply grateful for her 30 years of service and wishes her a retirement filled with joy, rest, and the same happiness she brought to others.
Sealed bids will be received by the Decatur County Board of Education, Decaturville, Tennessee, until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday March 11th 2026. At this time, bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the office of the Director of Schools of Decatur County, Decaturville, Tennessee for the following items:
• Construct an ADA Compliant stairs and handrails on the hillside to connect the upper parking lot to the new concrete landing behind the bleachers and shall not restrict drainage.
• Handrails to be 38” high with a diameter of 2”; width of stairs to be 48”.
• The layout shall be staked by the contractor for approval before construction.
• All disturbed areas are to be seeded and covered with straw or sodded.
• Completion date August 31st, 2026
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Interested bidders will need to contact Keith Dickson, Facilities Supervisor, to do an onsite inspection of the project.
Bids shall be presented in sealed envelopes, plainly marked on the outside with bid to RHS Baseball Stairway, name of person or firm submitting bid, and including all appropriate license and insurance. Bids will be received only from responsible firms or persons capable of filling same.
The board has committed to award bid to the low bidder.
The owner reserves the express right to accept any bid or reject any and/or all bids and to waive any informalities therein.
For additional information, please contact:
Keith Dickson, Facilities Supervisor
Decatur County Board of Education P.O. Box 369
Decaturville, Tennessee 38329
Phone: 731-733-1168
Email: keith.dickson@decaturschools.org
Please reach out to your child’s teacher to schedule a meeting time.
NOTICE: Feb. 9 - 13 will be a full week for students.
Decatur County Schools will be in session on Monday, February 9, 2026. A regular schedule will be followed; however, bus drivers will use their discretion to determine which roads are safe to travel. Students will be excused if transportation is unavailable or if other weather-related conditions prevent attendance. Parents should communicate any attendance concerns directly with their school’s administration.
Additionally, the Decatur County School Calendar is being amended to designate Thursday, February 12, 2026, and Friday, February 13, 2026, as regular instructional days. It is understandable and greatly appreciated that parents often use the school calendar to schedule vacations, appointments, and other events. Each school principal will work with parents who may have already made prior commitments for February 12th and/or 13th. The goal is to provide our students with effective instruction that prepares them to meet grade-level expectations and transition to the next level of learning. Unexpected events like winter storms make achieving this goal more difficult due to two weeks of lost instructional time. Restructuring our calendar is one option to regain instructional time and better serve our students.
*Parent-Teacher Conference will be rescheduled for a later date.
We appreciate your support, understanding, and flexibility.
Melinda J. Thompson, Director
Conditions will continue to be monitored, and a decision regarding a return to school will be made as conditions improve.
Please use caution if you must travel, and stay safe and warm.
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The Decatur County School System is seeking Bus Drivers. Requirements: CDL certified with PS Endorsement. (Will train if needed to get CDL certified with PS Endorsement).
Interested applicants may:
-Contact Mr. Darren Martin, Transportation Supervisor at (731) 616-3363 or email darren.martin@decaturschools.org
-Apply in person at the Decatur County Board of Education at 59 West Main Street Decaturville, TN. 38329
-Or apply online here: https://forms.gle/DTLJ8Jjqwupmq1te8
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The district is fully cooperating with the Sheriff’s Office and conducting its own review in accordance with state law and district policy. Because this is an active criminal matter and due to confidentiality laws, we are unable to share additional details at this time. Questions regarding the criminal case should be directed to the District Attorney’s Office.
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Our primary focus remains the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and school community. **Additional support will be available across all campuses, with additional counseling resources on-site at Decaturville Elementary School and Riverside High School for any students or staff who may need assistance during this time.
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We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all.
STATEMENT FROM DECATUR COUNTY SCHOOLS:
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The Decatur County School System was notified by the Decatur County Sheriff's Office that criminal charges have been filed against a district employee. The employee was placed on immediate administrative leave and is prohibited from all campuses and from contact with students and staff. The employee will remain on leave while law enforcement proceeds with the investigation.
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The district is cooperating fully with the Sheriff's Office and is conducting its own review consistent with state law and district policy. Because this is an active criminal matter and due to confidentiality laws, we cannot share additional details. Questions about the criminal case should be directed to the 24th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
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Our focus at this time is on the safety of our students, staff, and school community. Support will be available for any students or staff who may need assistance at this time.
🌟 Decatur County Schools Employee Spotlight: Ms. Jill Farlow 🌟
Decatur County Schools is honored to spotlight Ms. Jill Farlow, a dedicated and deeply loved teacher at Decatur County Middle School, whose impact has touched generations of students. Ms. Jill is known for giving 110% every single day, for her dependability, and for the genuine love she pours into her program and her students.
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Ms. Jill’s mother, Mrs. Glenda Farlow, and her brother, Jimmy, shared reflections that beautifully capture her spirit and lifelong passion for learning:
“It was a snowy February 5, 1978, that she made her appearance. Since then, she has had a passion and curiosity for all things that grow. She has always—and continues to—love learning. That passion has shaped who she is and is evident in everything she does, from the way she teaches to the way she encourages and inspires those around her. We believe that Jill is a gifted teacher.”
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They also noted her remarkable accomplishments, including being the first female to receive the Outstanding Agricultural Student Award at Riverside High School, and later becoming only the second female to complete and earn the Outstanding Agrimechanics Student Award at Murray State University—a true testament to her drive, talent, and willingness to blaze new trails for others.
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Ms. Jill’s experiences extend far beyond the classroom. After teaching agriculture for a year in Covington, she worked in the private sector as a technical advisor for Krone Industries, traveling throughout the United States and Puerto Rico to provide technical support for farmers and dealerships. Her travels have also taken her to Germany, Italy, Mexico, and much of the U.S., and while in college, she completed a summer apprenticeship at a horse farm near London, England.
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Her curiosity and creativity extend beyond work. Jill taught herself to refinish furniture, create stained glass, and is currently focused on mastering camping skills and innovative gardening techniques. She enjoys hiking, traveling (especially with her niece and nephews), singing, and acting with the Rivertime Players, and she is always ready for a new adventure. She is also a beloved aunt to a niece and several nephews who absolutely adore her, and she treasures the memories they create together.
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Her sister-in-law, Mrs. Leslie Farlow, shared:
“Jill is not just an enthusiastic teacher, but also the biggest cheerleader for all her students—both in academics and outside of school. She truly cares about her students, past and present, and loves to see them succeed.”
Though she has taught across the state, Ms. Jill proudly says of Decatur County students, “We have such good kids. People don’t realize how fortunate we are.”
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DCMS Principal, Ms. Kodi Beck, shared how Ms. Jill’s commitment extends well beyond the school day:
“Ms. Jill is a Rockstar! She is a tremendous teacher. In addition to her teaching duties, Ms. Jill serves as the Beta Sponsor and the Robotics Club sponsor. She has arranged field trips to competitions for both clubs, and all of those competitions have taken place on days outside of school. She gives a tremendous amount of her own time and resources to invest in our students' welfare and academics.”
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Director of Schools, Mrs. Melinda Thompson, added:
“Ms. Jill Farlow exemplifies what it means to be an educator in Decatur County. Her passion for learning, dedication to students, and willingness to go above and beyond make her an invaluable part of our school system. She not only teaches content—she inspires confidence, curiosity, and character in our students.”
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Dr. Amanda Creasy further emphasized Ms. Jill’s extraordinary impact, stating:
“If you’re picking a team—whether it’s an egg toss, academic bowl, corn husking, or any competition you can imagine—Ms. Jill would be a #1 draft pick. She excels at everything she does while lifting others up. More than that, she brings grit, creativity, and heart into every space she enters.”
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Decatur County Schools is incredibly grateful for Ms. Jill Farlow’s leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to students and the community. She is the very definition of lifelong learning and a true treasure to our district.
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Decatur County Schools was excited to welcome our teachers and staff back following Christmas Break for a meaningful and engaging district-wide in-service day. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and prepare for the second half of the school year—together.
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The day began with a warm welcome back and breakfast at Riverside High School, generously provided through a UTrust Employee Appreciation Grant.
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Director of Schools Melinda Thompson shared district updates, words of encouragement, and door prizes. Their message emphasized appreciation for our employees’ dedication and a shared commitment to student success as we move forward into the spring semester.
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Staff then gathered in the William R. Duram Performing Arts Center for professional learning led by Dr. Allison Oliver from Austin Peay State University. The session focused on behavioral learning and support strategies, equipping educators with practical tools to better serve students and support positive learning environments.
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Later that day, employees returned to their respective schools to collaborate with colleagues. These sessions included discussions around Pathways assessments and EOC data, targeted data chats focused on the bottom 25%, collaborative planning, and faculty and staff meetings. These conversations allowed teams to align instruction, share strategies, and plan intentionally for continued growth.
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We also extend our sincere thanks to UT Health for providing free health screenings for staff, including blood pressure, blood glucose, and weight checks—an appreciated service supporting employee wellness.
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Decatur County Schools is grateful for the dedication of our educators and staff. We are excited to continue this school year together and wish everyone a strong and successful start to the new semester. Welcome back!
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-ACREASY
