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Decatur County Schools extends its deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Mr. J. Wayne Stanfill, a lifelong educator and servant leader whose legacy is woven into the foundation of public education in Decatur County.
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Mr. Stanfill was raised and educated in Decatur County and pursued higher education at Freed-Hardeman College (1958–1960), Bethel University (1960–1962), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, and Murray State University (1962–1963), where he completed his Master’s degree.
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His distinguished career in education began in Hardin County (1963–1967) as a teacher, followed by leadership roles as Principal at Scotts Hill (1967–1970) and Riverside High School (1970–1976). Mr. Stanfill went on to serve as Director of Schools for Decatur County from 1976–1996, and later continued his service as a Decatur County Board of Education member for District 2 (2007–present).
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In total, Mr. Stanfill devoted 51 years to public education, dedicating his life to the students, educators, and families of Decatur County.
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Director of Schools, Mrs. Melinda Thompson, stated:
“Mr. Stanfill’s impact on Decatur County Schools is immeasurable. His leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to students helped shape our district into what it is today. He believed deeply in education as a calling, and his legacy will continue to influence generations to come.”
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Chairman of the Decatur County Board of Education, Mr. Kent Whitwell, shared:
“Mr. Stanfill was more than a leader—he was a mentor, a man many of us looked up to, and a friend. His wisdom, integrity, and steady guidance set a standard for leadership and service. He truly cared about people and always kept students at the center of every decision. His influence taught me a great deal, guided our course, and will never be forgotten.”
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Former Decatur County Director of Schools and current Board of Education member, Mrs. Rhonda Mitchell, stated:
“Mr. Stanfill has been an integral part of the education system for as long as I can remember. He was my principal at Riverside before leading Decatur County Schools in a positive direction. We later served together on the school board, where he continued to push for consistency and high expectations. His intellect, spirituality, and strong moral compass were evident at all times. He will be greatly missed.”
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Mr. Stanfill’s dedication, leadership, and heart for education have left an enduring mark on Decatur County. We honor his service, celebrate his legacy, and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who were blessed to know him.
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- ACREASY
📅 Calendar Update – Decatur County Schools
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Please note a change to the Decatur County School System calendar:
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➡️ There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, December 22nd.
This day was previously scheduled as an abbreviated day; however, schools will be closed, and buses will not run.
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Students, we wish you a wonderful Christmas Break! We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, January 5, 2026.
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Thank you, and enjoy the holidays! 🎄✨
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-ACREASY
January Breakfast and Lunch Menu for RHS
Decatur County Schools has been awarded a Tennessee Risk Management Trust (TRMT) grant in the amount of $7,034.40 to support safety improvements across the district. The grant was written and will be administered by Dr. Amanda Creasy.
These funds will be used to purchase essential safety equipment, including activity carts, step stools, ladders, dollies, and hand trucks. These resources will help reduce the risk of workplace injuries, improve efficiency, and enhance overall safety for both staff and students.
Director of Schools Mrs. Melinda Thompson shared, “Student and staff safety is our number one priority, and the support we have received from Tennessee Risk Management Trust directly supports this priority.”
Decatur County Schools is grateful for the partnership and support provided by TRMT. Their investment helps ensure safer learning and working environments throughout the district, allowing staff to better serve students while minimizing risk.
We sincerely appreciate TRMT’s generosity and commitment to school safety, and we are thankful for the opportunity to utilize these funds to strengthen our safety practices system-wide.
On December 15th, seven outstanding students proudly walked across the stage to receive their diplomas from the Decatur County Virtual Academy. These graduates completed their academic requirements in December and are now stepping confidently into their following chapters.
Students from this cohort will move on to TCAT, Tennessee Tech, Jackson State, and one graduate will begin an apprenticeship working with transformers—proof that success looks different for every student.
During the ceremony, Mr. Jay Cox shared his personal journey and closed his remarks with a powerful reading of “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, reminding students that their paths are uniquely their own.
🎓 Graduates include:
- Braydon Bunn
- Kody Coleman
- Dustin Ervin
- Taylor Hickerson
- Brooklyn Ivey
- Zachary Long
- Carson Wade
Mr. Mathis and Dr. King extend their sincere thanks to the Decatur County Board of Education for its continued confidence in the Virtual Academy—an innovative program that truly allows us to meet the needs of every student, every day.
We are proud of each of you and look forward to what the future holds!
https://forms.gle/8fv3q8QUoCLe5yJb7
Sealed bids will be received by the Decatur County Board of Education, Decaturville, Tennessee, until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday January 13th 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:
• Remove the current 12-feet by 5-feet pad in front of restrooms and install a new pad that meets ADA requirements. Lay 46’ x 2’ of 8” CMU with a cap block on top of the existing CMU at the back of the bleachers. Pour a 620 square feet ADA compliant pad at the back of the CMU. Pour 105’ x 5’ ADA compliant sidewalk from asphalt to the new pad, also connecting to the front of the restroom.
• All concrete to be 4” thick, 3500 PSI Limestone w/ 6x6 WWF on compacted subgrade. Cross slopes shall conform with the surrounding grade for a positive drainage with no ponding. The layout shall be staked by the contractor for approval before construction. All disturbed areas to be seeded and covered with straw blankets or sodded.
• Completion date April 15th 2026.
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 RHS Baseball 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
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Sealed bids will be received by the Decatur County Board of Education, Decaturville, Tennessee, until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 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:
Purchase and Install the following:
(3) 2200 HP Gate Operators with safety interlocks.
(3) Post & key pad to each gate.
(3) Exit loops to each gate.
Run electrical to each gate from the on-site electrical panel.
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Bids shall be presented in sealed envelopes, plainly marked on the outside with the Pre-K Fence Automatic Gate Openers' 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 the same.
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The board has committed to award the 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.
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For additional information, to do an on-site inspection of the project, please contact:
Keith Dickson, Facilities Supervisor
Decatur County Board of Education
P.O. Box 369
Decaturville, Tennessee 38329
Phone: 731-733-1168
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Due to pending inclement weather, the Decatur County Middle School basketball game against Hardin County and the DCMS production of Annie scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, have both been canceled.
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At this time, school is still scheduled to be in session on Friday, December 5th.
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Please continue to check for updates as conditions may change.
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Thank you for your understanding and support.
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ACREASY
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Due to pending inclement weather, the Decatur County Middle School basketball game against Hardin County and the DCMS production of Annie scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, have both been canceled.
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At this time, school is still scheduled to be in session on Friday, December 5th.
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Please continue to check for updates as conditions may change.
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Thank you for your understanding and support.
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ACREASY
WE NEED YOU!!!
Now Hiring: ASSISTANT / FRONT ENTRANCE MANAGER at Decatur County Middle School
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The Decatur County Board of Education is accepting applications for an Assistant / Front Entrance Manager at Decatur County Middle School.
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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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This position requires punctuality, dependability, interpersonal skills, organization, technology skills, and may include any other duties as assigned by the Principal.
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The deadline for applying is Monday, December 8, 2025
🔔 Reminder: Label Your Child’s Winter Gear
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As the weather gets colder, please take a moment to write your child’s name inside all coats and winter apparel they bring to school. Items such as jackets, pullovers, hoodies, hats, gloves, and scarves are often set down or forgotten throughout the day.
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Labeling these items helps us quickly return them to the correct student. Without a name, they may end up in the lost-and-found or be accidentally taken home by another child.
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Thank you for helping us keep track of everyone’s belongings and making sure our students stay warm this winter!
WE NEED YOU!!!
Now Hiring: FACILITIES / MAINTENANCE POSITION
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The Decatur County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Facilities / Maintenance Position.
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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 be able to pass a TBI Fingerprint Background Check
* Submit a physical by a Licensed Physician
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Experience with Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Construction, Knowledge of Tools, and Operating Machinery and Equipment is a plus.
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The deadline for applying is Friday, December 5, 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 Riverside High School.
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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, December 5, 2025
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Decatur County Schools proudly supported Decatur County Outreach, led by our very own RHS counselor, Cheyenne Fowler.
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Each school contributed by collecting specific items to help meet the needs of families throughout our community — a powerful lesson in compassion, gratitude, and giving back.
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Thanks to the generosity of our students, their families, staff, and everyone within our school system, Decatur County Outreach is providing Thanksgiving meals to over 200 families this holiday season.
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Thank you to every school, every staff member, every student, and every family who contributed. Because of you, we are making a difference — together.
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ACREASY
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We are truly blessed with wonderful students, supportive families, dedicated staff and faculty, and a community that stands behind us every step of the way.
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As we pause to give thanks today, we are grateful for the opportunities to learn, grow, and serve together. May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and the warmth of family and friends this holiday season.
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From our school family to yours — Happy Thanksgiving!
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ACREASY
DR. AMANDA CREASY TAKES PART IN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Dr. Amanda Creasy, is a member of the UT Martin WestStar Leadership Program’s Class of 2026. Participants in the UT Martin WestStar Leadership Program will take part in learning sessions throughout the school year, starting with an opening retreat Dec. 11-12. Sessions are held at various locations throughout West Tennessee and cover topics such as the humanity of leadership, education, community development, and tourism.
Director of Decatur County Schools, Mrs. Melinda Thompson, states, “Dr. Creasy is the perfect fit for the WestStar Leadership Program. She is community-minded and seeks opportunities to help others. Her commitment to assisting students, teachers, and community members is unmatched. Decatur County School System is blessed to have Dr. Creasy as a part of our team!”
Dr. Creasy holds a bachelor’s degree, two master’s Degrees, and a Doctorate, and she has proudly served Decatur County Schools for more than 24 years. She has taught Math in elementary, middle, and high school. Currently, she holds many positions at the Board of Education, some of them being the Extended Learning Program Director, Public Relations, website, and school media point of contact. She has also written many Grants that the schools and county have been awarded. Dr. Creasy is the TEAM Configurator, along with the District and School Improvement Coordinator. She wears many hats within the Decatur County School System and is more than happy and willing to help in any way she possibly can.
Information about WestStar is available by calling the WestStar Leadership Program at 731-881-7298.
