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Decatur County Schools is proud to announce Mr. Reed Keeton as the new DCMS Girls Basketball Coach for the 2026–2027 school year!
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Reed is a graduate of Riverside High School and continued his education at UT Martin Parsons Center. He is married to the former Halle Blackstock, and together they have made their home right here in our community. We are thrilled to have him return home and invest in our students while doing what he loves.
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Coach Keeton shared:
“I look forward to stepping in as the new DCMS girls' basketball coach! Ms. Jackie Arnold and Coach Dawson Jowers will be helping me. We want to build a hard-nosed, aggressive, and relentless basketball team. We want everyone to see how hard a group of girls can work to get what they want. We really look forward to working with a great group of student-athletes and parents. I hope our hard work and dedication to the game and to this community will show in great ways soon. Look out for DCMS girls basketball. We will be doing lots of fundraisers in the community pretty soon. Thank you!”
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DCMS Principal, Ms. Kodi Beck, shared:
“We are excited to welcome Coach Keeton to Decatur County Middle School. His passion for the game, commitment to our students, and strong ties to this community make him a great fit for our program. I am confident he will build meaningful relationships with our student-athletes while fostering a culture of hard work, teamwork, and pride both on and off the court.”
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Please join us in congratulating Coach Keeton and supporting DCMS Girls Basketball this upcoming season! 💙💛💙
#DCMS #DecaturCountySchools #GirlsBasketball #PantherPride
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Decatur County Schools is proud to announce Mrs. Amanda Keeton as the new Principal of Riverside High School for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.
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A true homegrown leader, Amanda is a graduate of Riverside High School. She continued her education at the University of Tennessee at Martin and Freed-Hardeman University. With over 22 years of dedicated service to Decatur County Schools, she brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to this role.
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Director of Schools, Mrs. Melinda Thompson, shared:
“Amanda is a true professional, wonderful to work with, and a tremendous asset to our school system. She leads with integrity, builds strong relationships, and always keeps students at the center of her work. Riverside High School will be in excellent hands under her leadership.”
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Mr. Hugh Smith added:
“I had the opportunity to work with Amanda at Riverside, and she is professional, thorough, and dependable. She is someone you can always count on to do what’s best for students and staff, and I have no doubt she will do an outstanding job leading the school.”
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Mrs. Keeton shared her excitement:
“I am so excited to begin this journey. Riverside is my alma mater, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. My dad, Mr. Robert Myracle, was also a longtime principal at Riverside, and it is an honor to follow in his footsteps. I look forward to working alongside our educators and students as we continue striving for excellence and building on the strong traditions that make Riverside so special.”
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Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Keeton on this well-deserved role! 💙💛💙
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#DecaturCountySchools #RiversideHigh #Leadership #Homegrown #PantherPride
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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 April 29th 2026.
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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:
• Playground equipment to meet safety requirements established in: 2010 ADA Standard, ASTM F1487, & CPSC Pub. #325
• For ages 2-12 yrs. Children capacity 57
• Structure size: 33’-1” x 15’-3” x 13’-3”
• Playground needs to include: Triple section slide, double strait slide, single right hand slides, single strait slide, vertical climber, and a mountain climber.
• Materials and delivery
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• Completion date May 31st 2026
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Interested bidders will need to contact Keith Dickson, Facilities Supervisor, to do an onsite inspection of the project.
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Bids shall be presented in sealed envelopes, plainly marked on the outside with Playground Equipment name of person or firm submitting bid and including contractor license and general liability insurance. Bids will be received only from responsible firms or persons capable of filling same.
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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.
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For additional information, please contact:
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Keith Dickson, Facilities Supervisor
Decatur County Board of Education P.O. Box 369
Decaturville, Tennessee 38329
Phone: 731-733-1168
Please take a moment to participate!
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As part of federal accountability requirements for our school system, we are required to gather parent feedback regarding the educational programs and facilities provided by the Decatur County School System.
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Your input is VERY important and helps us better understand the needs and perceptions of our families.
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Please take a few minutes to complete the annual school system survey for each of your children.
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https://forms.gle/kBjwaACkERArp3vK7
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license and an appropriate endorsement (459 SPED Preschool/Early Childhood PreK-3) will be considered for the position. Educators with a 460, 461, 144, or 145 can add the 459 endorsement with the appropriate Praxis exam.
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
For more information, please contact Ms. Michelle McElrath, Supervisor of Special Education Services michelle.mcelrath@decaturschools.org or (731)847-5908.
The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, April 10, 2026.
Riverside High School Welcomes Monica Ezell as Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
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Monica Ezell brings more than twenty years of experience in girls' basketball coaching as she returns home to lead the Riverside High School Lady Panthers. She began her coaching career at Riverside, serving as an assistant basketball coach from 2006 to 2008. Since that time, she has coached middle school girls' basketball at Pin Oak Elementary and later at Huntingdon Middle School.
Coach Ezell is a proud 2002 graduate of Riverside High School. During her playing career, the Lady Panthers made school history by advancing to the substate game for the first time in 2002. She credits her time at Riverside for many lasting memories and for helping shape her love for the game.
She earned her teaching degree from the University of Memphis in 2006 and later received her Master’s Degree in Education from Bethel University.
Coach Ezell is happily married to her husband, Clint Ezell, who serves as the Huntingdon High School Cross Country Coach, Athletic Director, and pastor at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Together they have three children: Caleb (18), Brett (16), and Asher (10).
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Ezell shared her excitement about returning to Riverside:
"I am thankful and honored for this opportunity, and I am excited to come back to my alma mater to coach girls high school basketball. Riverside has always been a special place to me, and I cannot wait to get started. I am thrilled to join this amazing school community and work with such a talented group of student-athletes.
First and foremost, I am deeply committed to helping our players grow both as basketball players and as individuals. This game is about more than just winning—it’s about developing teamwork, discipline, leadership, and perseverance. Whether you're on the court, in the classroom, or in the community, I believe the lessons we learn through sports shape us into better people. Let’s Go Panthers!"
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Director of Schools Mrs. Melinda Thompson shared her enthusiasm for Ezell’s return:
"I had the distinct pleasure of working alongside Monica Ezell many years ago when she taught across the hallway from me at Parsons Elementary School. Even then, in her early years as a professional educator, two things were profoundly evident: her unwavering love for her students and her passion for coaching.
When she recently interviewed for the role of High School Girls’ Basketball Coach, it was clear that she not only still embodies those foundational traits but has also cultivated a wealth of other essential characteristics. Ms. Ezell demonstrated a refined understanding of pedagogy, leadership, and athletic development—all of which will be instrumental to her success.
What truly sets Ms. Ezell apart is her deep-seated understanding of the impact a coach has—an impact that extends far beyond the final score. She views the coaching role as an opportunity to mentor, build character, and instill lifelong values such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. I am fully confident that Ms. Ezell will dedicate herself to strengthening the RHS Girls’ Basketball Program in multiple ways—improving on-court performance while also elevating academic achievement, community involvement, and personal growth among her athletes. Her appointment represents a strategic win for our athletic department and, more importantly, for our students."
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Decatur County School Board Member Mrs. Kristen Smith also expressed her support:
"I am extremely proud to see Mrs. Monica Ezell coming back home to Riverside as our girls’ basketball coach. Monica and I attended Riverside together and had the opportunity to play basketball as Lady Panthers, so I know firsthand the dedication and heart she brings to the game. She truly cares about our community and has always been proud to represent the blue and gold. I believe she will build a strong strategic program by focusing on fundamentals, teamwork, and character. Our students and our community are gaining a tremendous leader, and I am excited to see what the future holds for Riverside Girls’ Basketball."
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The Decatur County School System is seeking applications for a Bookkeeper at Parsons Elementary for the 2026-27 school year. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED before employment and successfully pass a TBI fingerprint background screening. The applicant will also need a completed Health Screening from a licensed Physician.
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This position requires proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, Excel, Google Docs, 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.
Inquiries or questions should contact Lisa Renfroe, lisa.renfroe@decaturschools.org or (731)847-7317
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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/sNjGE6PrbvjSGBed7.
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The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, April 3, 2026.
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The Decatur County School System is seeking applications for a Cafeteria Manager. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED before employment and successfully pass a TBI fingerprint background screening. The applicant will also need a completed Health Screening from a licensed Physician. Applicants must have 2 years of food service experience.
Cafeteria Managers are responsible for the daily operations of the cafeteria.
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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/sNjGE6PrbvjSGBed7.
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The deadline for submitting an application is Thursday, April 2, 2026.
INVITATION TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids will be received by the Decatur County Board of Education, Decaturville, Tennessee, until 9:00 a.m. on Thursday April 9th, 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 (2) partition walls (Floor to ceiling) totaling approx. 64’ in two locations. Walls need to be insulated for a sound barrier.
- Construct a door at each partition wall.
-Add (16) electrical outlets. Relocate light fixtures.
- Paint new construction.
Completion date July 15 th , 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 bid to Pre-K Partition Wall Project name of person or firm submitting bid, and including contractor license and general liability 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 take a moment to participate!
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As part of federal accountability requirements for our school system, we are required to gather parent feedback regarding the educational programs and facilities provided by the Decatur County School System.
.
Your input is VERY important and helps us better understand the needs and perceptions of our families.
.
Please take a few minutes to complete the annual school system survey for each of your children.
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https://forms.gle/kBjwaACkERArp3vK7
JOB POSTING(S):
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The Decatur County School System is seeking qualified applicants for the following positions for the 2026–2027 school year:
- - - Principal
- - - Assistant Principal
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Application Information
Applications may be submitted in one of the following ways:
Option 1:
Applications may be either:
1) Filled out and submitted online here: https://forms.gle/8j4BhWxAVTGNBezDA.
2) Or picked up at the Board of Education Office and sent to Hugh Smith, Personnel Supervisor, at Decatur County Board of Education, 59 West Main Street, Decaturville, TN 38329 or emailed to hugh.smith@decaturschools.org.
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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
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If you have questions or inquiries, please contact Melinda Thompson, Director of Schools, at (731)852-2292 or melinda.thompson@decaturschools.org.
The application deadline is March 27, 2026.
