Decatur County Schools

A BIG BLUE THANK YOU TO FOOD GIANT! 💙💛💙

We are incredibly grateful to Food Giant and their amazing customers for supporting our students through the Donate to Hydrate fundraiser!

Thanks to the generosity of our community, more than 1,500 Powerades were donated to Riverside High School! 🎉 These drinks will be a tremendous help to our students and athletes throughout the year.

We are so fortunate to have local businesses—and community members—who continually step up to support our schools. Food Giant, thank you for investing in our students and showing once again what makes Decatur County such a special place!

💙💛 1,500+ reasons to say THANK YOU!

Decatur County Schools — Every Student, Every Day.

⚠️ NOTICE: Parsons Elementary School Internet and phone lines are currently down at Parsons Elementary School. We are aware of the issue and are working to have services restored as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding and will provide an update when service is restored.

The Decatur County Board of Education will meet for the regular monthly meeting September 10, 2026 in the conference room at the Board of Education office. Public Input will begin at 6:00 with the meeting to follow at 6:15 pm.

Reminder: No school for students tomorrow, 9/8/26. Join us for Parent-Teacher Conference from 2:00-6:00. Enjoy our last summer holiday!

Bus 8 has a mechanical issue. We have a bus that is finishing up a route and will go pick up the students on bus 8 and deliver them home. Sorry for the delay.

September Breakfast and Lunch for RHS

September Breakfast and Lunch for DES, PES, and DCMS

WE NEED YOU!!! Now Hiring: SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT / PARAPROFESSIONAL . The Decatur County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Special Education Assistant for Parsons Elementary and Decatur County Middle School. . 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 . . The deadline for applying is Friday, September 4, 2026

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Lori McCollum . With heavy hearts, the Decatur County School System mourns the loss of Mrs. Lori McCollum, a beloved member of our school family who devoted 22 years of service as a paraprofessional in the Special Education Department. . A 1988 graduate of Riverside High School, Lori spent much of her life serving the students and families of the community she called home. Throughout her 22 years with Decatur County Schools, she worked alongside teachers and staff to provide support, encouragement, patience, and care to her students. . Director of Schools Mrs. Melinda Thompson shared, “Mrs. Lori had such a kind and caring heart for our students. She dedicated so many years to Decatur County Schools, and the difference she made cannot simply be measured in years of service. It can be seen in the students she cared for, the coworkers she supported, and the relationships she built along the way. She was a treasured member of our school family, and she will be deeply missed.” . Special Education Director, Mrs. Michelle a McElrath reflected, “Lori was a dedicated employee who gave 22 years of service to our school system. She understood that working with children requires patience, compassion, and a willingness to do whatever is needed to help them succeed. Lori possessed those qualities, and her commitment to our students and staff was evident throughout her career. We are grateful for her many years of service and for the lasting impact she made on so many.” . Special Education teacher Ms. Stefanie Steward shared, “Mrs. Lori was so much more than a paraprofessional. She was someone our students could depend on every day. She cared for them, encouraged them, celebrated their accomplishments, and loved them through the difficult days. She had a special way of making those around her feel cared for, and I am so thankful for the years we were blessed to have her as part of our Special Education family. Her absence will be deeply felt.” . The work of a paraprofessional often happens quietly—in the encouragement given, the extra patience shown, the small victories celebrated, and simply being there when a student needs someone. For years, Mrs. Lori was there. This is a tremendous loss for our school system and our community. Please join us in remembering Mrs. Lori McCollum and lifting her family, friends, former students, and coworkers in prayer during the difficult days ahead. . Mrs. Lori, thank you for loving and serving the students of Decatur County. Your kindness, dedication, and caring spirit will not be forgotten. You will be greatly missed.

Celebrating 20 Years of Service from Mr. Tommy Dale Haggard! . Decatur County Schools proudly recognizes Tommy Dale Haggard for an incredible 20 years of service on the Decatur County Board of Education. For two decades, Mr. Haggard has given his time, dedication, and support to the students, employees, and families of Decatur County Schools. His many years of service reflect a lasting commitment to public education and to the community he calls home. . “Twenty years of service is an incredible milestone. We are so thankful for Mr. Haggard’s dedication to Decatur County Schools and for the many years he has spent supporting our students, staff, and schools. His commitment and service are truly appreciated.” — Melinda Thompson, Director of Schools . Please join us in thanking Tommy Dale Haggard for 20 years of dedicated service!

Mrs. Kristen Smith Celebrating 8 Years of Service! . Decatur County Schools proudly recognizes Mrs. Kristen Smith for 8 years of dedicated service on the Decatur County Board of Education. “Kristen has served our school system with a genuine heart for our students, employees, and community. We are incredibly grateful for the time, dedication, and support she has given to Decatur County Schools over the past eight years. Her service has made a lasting impact, and we sincerely thank her for all she has done.” — Melinda Thompson, Director of Schools Please join us in thanking Kristen for 8 wonderful years of service!

School Bus Safety: STOP FOR SCHOOL BUSES!

Thank you from Decatur County School System!


https://youtu.be/wGEDFwkRfys?si=hOf8JpYj37Az5c-K

JOIN OUR TEAM:

The Decatur County School System is seeking applications for a Substitute School Nurse.

Applicants must have an Active LPN or RN license, with experience in Pediatric Nursing preferred.

Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office, 59 West Main Street, Decaturville, TN 38329, or 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

Now Hiring: Bus Drivers
.
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 See less

Congratulations, Mrs. Brittany Tubbs, as you assume the role of Decaturville Elementary Principal.

.
Decatur County Schools is proud to announce Mrs. Brittany Tubbs as the new Principal of Decaturville Elementary School for the 2026–2027 school year.

Mrs. Tubbs earned her Bachelor's Degree in Pre-K–6 Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin – Parsons Center before completing her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Austin Peay State University.

A lifelong member of the Decaturville Elementary family, Brittany has dedicated her entire educational career to serving the students and families of DES. Throughout the years, she has served as a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade classroom teacher, a Reading Specialist, and most recently as Assistant Principal. Her dedication, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to student success have made a lasting impact on the school community.

Mrs. Tubbs and her husband have been married for 13 years and are the proud parents of three children. When she's not at school, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family.

.
When asked about her goals as principal, Mrs. Tubbs shared:

"My goal is to fully support our teachers and staff so they can do their best work, and to ensure all students have the resources, support, and encouragement they need to succeed. I am most excited about the opportunity to make a broader impact on a school I care for deeply. After many years of seeing firsthand what makes our school great, I am eager to step into this new role and advocate for our students and staff on a larger scale. I look forward to collaborating with our teachers and staff in this new capacity to support their professional growth while continuing to build relationships with our students as we work together toward our shared goals."

.
Elementary Supervisor, Mrs. Christee Pettigrew, shared:

"It is an absolute honor and joy to celebrate Ms. Brittany as she steps into her new role as Principal of Decaturville Elementary School! I have known Ms. Brittany since she was a student in my first grade classroom where her love for reading first shone through. I had the privilege of working alongside her as our assistant principal last year. She is an exceptional leader and team player. Ms. Brittany has an unwavering love for our students and staff. She is instructionally strong, bringing deep expertise, vision, and passion into the school every single day. Above all, she leads with faith, looking to God for wisdom and making every decision based on what is truly best for our students. She is dearly loved by everyone in our school community, and DES is so blessed to have her leading the way into this exciting new chapter!"

.
Director of Schools, Mrs. Melinda Thompson, added:

"Mrs. Tubbs embodies the qualities we value most in educational leadership. She is compassionate, thoughtful, and deeply committed to the success of every student and staff member. Her experience, knowledge, and strong work ethic have prepared her well for this role. I am excited to see the positive impact she will continue to make as she leads Decaturville Elementary into the future."

.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Brittany Tubbs as she begins this exciting new chapter. We are confident that Decaturville Elementary School will continue to thrive under her leadership.