Celebrating Over Three Decades of Service: Mrs. Nancy Box Retires from Decatur County Schools
.
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 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!
The Decatur County Board of Education will meet Thursday, June 11, 2026 at the Decatur County Board of Education at 6:15. Public input will begin at 6:00.
🖥️ 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.
.
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!
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.
.
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!
Now Hiring: SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT / PARAPROFESSIONAL
.
The Decatur County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Special Education Assistant for Parsons Elementary.
.
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
.
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
.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Michelle McElrath, Supervisor of Special Education Services (731)847-5908 or michelle.mcelrath@decaturschools.org
.
The deadline for applying is Friday, June 12, 2026
.
The Decatur County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Special Education Assistant for Parsons Elementary.
.
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
.
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
.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Michelle McElrath, Supervisor of Special Education Services (731)847-5908 or michelle.mcelrath@decaturschools.org
.
The deadline for applying is Friday, June 12, 2026
Now Hiring: MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND AND MUSIC TEACHER for 2026-27
.
The Decatur County School System is seeking applications for a middle school band and music teacher for Grades 5 - 8 at Decatur County Middle School for the 2026-27 school year.
.
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in Instrumental Music K-12 will be considered for the position. Applicants must also be able to successfully pass a TBI fingerprint and background screening before the upcoming school year.
.
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
For more information about the position, please contact Ms. Kodi Breeden, DCMS Principal, at kodi.breeden@decaturschools.org or (731)847-6510.
.
The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, June 12, 2026.
Now Hiring: RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL CUSTODIAN
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
Qualifications:
* High school diploma or GED
* Must be able to pass a TBI Fingerprint Background Check
* Submit a physical by a Licensed Physician
.
The deadline for applying is Friday, June 5, 2026.
💙 Introducing Decaturville Elementary’s Lending Library! 💙
.
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!
.
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!
Decatur County Schools Summer Learning Camp is OPEN for registration!
We are so excited to offer students in grades PreK–8th a summer filled with learning, enrichment, friendships, and FUN!
📍 Location: Parsons Elementary
📅 May 26th – June 16th
Students will enjoy:
⭐ Academic Support
⭐ Fun & Engaging Activities
⭐ Enriching Experiences
⭐ Opportunities to Build Confidence & Friendships
Please be on the lookout for packets sent home and help us spread the word! We would love to see our students take advantage of this amazing opportunity.
For more information, please contact your child’s school or Dr. Amanda Creasy at amanda.creasy@decaturschools.com.
Let’s make this a summer of growth, success, and fun!
The Decatur County Board of Education will meet Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the Decatur County Board of Education at 6:15. Public input will begin at 6:00.
DON'T MISS OUT!!! SIGN UP TODAY!!!
Every student in PreK through 8th grade has been given a sign-up sheet to bring home.
Every student in PreK through 8th grade has been given a sign-up sheet to bring home.
Signing Day!
🍎 Decatur County Schools Announces FREE Breakfast & Lunch for All Students in 2026–27 🍎
.
Decatur County Schools is excited to announce that all students will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2026–27 school year.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.”
.
At Decatur County Schools, we remain committed to supporting students academically, emotionally, and physically — because every student matters, every day.
.
Decatur County Schools is excited to announce that all students will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2026–27 school year.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.”
.
At Decatur County Schools, we remain committed to supporting students academically, emotionally, and physically — because every student matters, every day.
School Board Meeting:
INVITATION TO BID: Playground Equipment Installation
🎉 BIG NEWS for Decatur County Middle School STEM! 🎉
We are proud to announce that Ms. Jill Farlow, STEM Teacher at Decatur County Middle School, has been awarded a $5,000 TVA Grant for the program, “Journey Through CTE!”
This grant will provide hands-on career exploration opportunities for students in grades 5–8 while introducing them to Career & Technical Education pathways available at the high school level. Students will gain real-world experiences in health science, culinary arts, construction, electrical wiring, and agriculture & horticulture through exciting new equipment and interactive learning opportunities.
Because of this grant, students now have access to:
✔️ Health science tools and materials
✔️ Cooking and culinary equipment
✔️ Construction and drafting supplies
✔️ Electrical wiring materials
✔️ Indoor greenhouse and plant propagation resources
We also want to shine a special spotlight on Ms. Jill Farlow for writing and administering this grant. Ms. Farlow is an incredible asset and a tremendous resource within the Decatur County School System. Her passion, creativity, and dedication continue to provide meaningful opportunities for our students each and every day.
A HUGE thank you to TVA and Lexington Electric System for investing in our students and supporting STEM and Career & Technical Education in Decatur County Schools!
Congratulations to Ms. Jill Farlow and our amazing students! 🐾💙💛
#DecaturCountySchools #STEM #CTE #PantherPride #TVAGrant #FutureReady
We are proud to announce that Ms. Jill Farlow, STEM Teacher at Decatur County Middle School, has been awarded a $5,000 TVA Grant for the program, “Journey Through CTE!”
This grant will provide hands-on career exploration opportunities for students in grades 5–8 while introducing them to Career & Technical Education pathways available at the high school level. Students will gain real-world experiences in health science, culinary arts, construction, electrical wiring, and agriculture & horticulture through exciting new equipment and interactive learning opportunities.
Because of this grant, students now have access to:
✔️ Health science tools and materials
✔️ Cooking and culinary equipment
✔️ Construction and drafting supplies
✔️ Electrical wiring materials
✔️ Indoor greenhouse and plant propagation resources
We also want to shine a special spotlight on Ms. Jill Farlow for writing and administering this grant. Ms. Farlow is an incredible asset and a tremendous resource within the Decatur County School System. Her passion, creativity, and dedication continue to provide meaningful opportunities for our students each and every day.
A HUGE thank you to TVA and Lexington Electric System for investing in our students and supporting STEM and Career & Technical Education in Decatur County Schools!
Congratulations to Ms. Jill Farlow and our amazing students! 🐾💙💛
#DecaturCountySchools #STEM #CTE #PantherPride #TVAGrant #FutureReady
The Decatur County Board of Education will meet at 6:15 pm on Thursday, May 21st at the Decatur County Board of Education. Public input will begin at 6:00 pm.
Reminder:
The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for a Science Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year.
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in Secondary Science Grades 6-12 will be considered for the position.
Applications may be either:
- Filled out and submitted online here: https://forms.gle/8j4BhWxAVTGNBezDA
- 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.
The deadline for submitting an application is Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in Secondary Science Grades 6-12 will be considered for the position.
Applications may be either:
- Filled out and submitted online here: https://forms.gle/8j4BhWxAVTGNBezDA
- 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.
The deadline for submitting an application is Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for a Mathematics teacher for Grades 6-12 for the 2026-2027 school year.
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.
Applications may be either:
- Filled out and submitted online here: https://forms.gle/8j4BhWxAVTGNBezDA
- 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.
The deadline for submitting an application is Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
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.
Applications may be either:
- Filled out and submitted online here: https://forms.gle/8j4BhWxAVTGNBezDA
- 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.
The deadline for submitting an application is Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
The White House Representing Riverside! ✨🎨
.
From Decaturville to Washington, D.C. — Riverside High School student Selena Ni is headed to the U.S. Capitol!
Selena’s stunning artwork has officially been selected as the 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner for Tennessee’s 7th District. Her painting will now be professionally framed and displayed in the U.S. Capitol Complex for an entire year!
Congressional staff recently visited RHS to collect the artwork before it begins its journey to Washington, D.C. This June, Selena and her parents will travel to our nation’s capital for a special awards banquet honoring winners from across the country.
We are incredibly proud of Selena for representing Riverside High School, Decatur County Schools, and the state of Tennessee with such talent and class.
Congratulations, Selena! Your Panther family is cheering you on every step of the way! 💙💛
