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
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 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.
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The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for the position of Riverside High School Cheerleading Coach for the 2026-2027 school year.
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Applicants should submit an application and detailed resume that includes previous employment and related Cheerleading coaching experience. A Tennessee Teaching License is preferred, but not required to be considered for the position.
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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, P.O. Box 369, Decaturville, TN or emailed to hugh.smith@decaturschools.org., or accessed and completed online: https://forms.gle/PcsaqHwk7SBRzDKn7.
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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, May 8, 2026. See less
Decatur County Schools Safety Update
Decatur County Schools is proud to announce the addition of OpenGate Weapons Detection Systems for the 2026–2027 school year as part of our ongoing commitment to safety.
OpenGate is a nationally recognized leader in school safety technology and is endorsed by both the U.S. Secret Service and the National Security Agency (NSA) for quality and reliability. These systems are already in use at Rutherford County Schools (Murfreesboro, TN), Lewis County Schools (Hohenwald, TN), Coffee County Schools (Manchester, TN), and Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
📅 Launching Friday, May 8
📍 Riverside High School & Decatur County Middle School
(Additional schools will be added at a later date.)
As we begin implementation, students and parents may notice slight delays during morning entry. To help ensure a smooth process, students may be asked to briefly hand items such as laptops, binders, or large tumblers to staff as they pass through the system.
Mr. Hugh Smith, Safety Supervisor, shared:
“We appreciate the leadership and vision of Mrs. Melinda Thompson, Director of Schools, and the Decatur County Board of Education for their investment in school safety. The OpenGate Weapons Detection System will provide an additional layer of protection, strengthening our overall security at each school. Students, parents, and staff can rest assured knowing that our School Leadership Team is committed to making school safety and learning our top priority.”
Our goal remains clear:
A safe and secure learning environment for every student, every day.
We appreciate your cooperation and continued support as we implement this important safety measure.
🔗 Learn more about OpenGate:
https://k12.ceia-usa.com/opengate/
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Today, we proudly celebrate the incredible cafeteria teams across Decatur County Schools—our true School Lunch Heroes!
Each day, these amazing individuals do so much more than prepare meals. They work hard to make sure our students are served food that is not only nutritious, but yummy—meals that students look forward to and enjoy.
But what makes them truly special is the way they care for our children. From warm smiles and kind words to creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere in the cafeteria, they go above and beyond to make every student feel seen, valued, and cared for.
Across every school in our system, our cafeteria teams work together seamlessly—not just with one another, but alongside teachers, staff, and administrators—to ensure that every child is fed, supported, and ready to learn.
Their teamwork, dedication, and heart do not go unnoticed. They are a vital part of our schools and our community.
Thank you for serving with heart and making a difference every single day!
#SchoolLunchHeroDay #DecaturCountySchools #WhereEverybodyIsSomebody
To: Vendors Serving Chickasaw-Shiloh Area Partnership
INVITATION TO BID ON FOOD
The Chickasaw-Shiloh Area Partnership is requesting bids for food for its School Nutrition Program for the 2026–2027 school year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). This is a consolidated bid between Chester, Decatur, Fayette, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, McNairy Counties, and Lexington City Schools, serving approximately 21,571 students across 52 schools.
The Partnership reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Each Local Education Agency will be responsible for contracts awarded.
Initial bids are calculated based on unit price multiplied by estimated quantities. Prices must remain firm through December 31, 2026. Adjustments may occur January 1, 2027, and must be submitted by December 15. Future adjustments must be submitted by June 15. Price increases cannot exceed the Consumer Price Index (Food Away from Home, South Region). Vendors must provide updated pricing spreadsheets and order guides by December 26 and June 26, respectively.
This is an annual, all-or-nothing bid based on total bottom-line cost. Contracts will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Contracts may be renewed annually for up to four additional years (maximum of five years total).
To participate, submit completed bid documents and required attachments to the Hardin County Board of Education by 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Bids will be opened at that time.
Awards will be approved by School Nutrition Program Directors and presented to each Board of Education. Vendors will be notified by June 10, 2026. Contracts begin July 1, 2026, and updated order guides must be submitted by June 26, 2026.
For questions, contact:
Lisa Plunk, Fayette County Schools
Lisa.Plunk@fcsk12.net | (901) 465-5260 ext. 2222
School Nutrition Program Directors:
Chester – Stephanie Lollar
Decatur – Sherry Boroughs
Fayette – Lisa Plunk
Hardeman – Martha Robertson
Hardin – Cheryl Cochran
Henderson – Shelia McPeake
Lexington City – Jan Page
McNairy – Gayle Brooks
Required Documents Include:
Bid document with pricing
Contract Agreement
Bid Proposal Sheet
Certification forms (Debarment, Buy American, Non-Collusion, etc.)
Civil Rights Assurance Statement
Insurance documentation
Product grading sheets (if applicable)
Seal and label bids as:
BID: Chickasaw-Shiloh Area Partnership – Food Bid
ATTN: School Nutrition Program
Mail or deliver to:
Hardin County Board of Education
School Nutrition Program
155 Guinn Street
Savannah, TN 38372
. 💙💛 Decatur County Schools – System Spotlight 💛💙
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This week, we are proud to shine our System Spotlight on one of our own—Dan Johnson, a 1994 graduate of Riverside High School.
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Dan enlisted in 1995 with the Army National Guard and has dedicated 30 years of service to our country, and continues to serve today. Over the course of his career, he has been deployed four times, with his longest time away from home lasting 16 months. His commitment and sacrifice reflect the very best of Decatur County.
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When asked what he loves most about his hometown, Dan shared simply: “The people and small-town living are the best. There is nowhere else I'd rather be!”
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And that same community is proud to call him one of our own!
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Dan leaves our students with this advice:
“Set a goal. Just remember that everything you want in life is not easy to achieve, but with hard work and the right mindset, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Keep God first, and family and all the rest of the things will work out.”
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Behind Dan’s service is a strong foundation of support. His wife, Deanna, a Riverside graduate, has stood beside him through every deployment, training, and milestone—sharing in both the sacrifices and the pride. Between them, they share five children (Blake, Johnna, Dylan, Drake, and Hunter) and nine grandchildren.
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On behalf of Decatur County Schools, we honor Dan’s service, his dedication, and his example. We also recognize Deanna and all military spouses and children whose strength and support make that service possible.
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Thank you for your service, Dan. Your Decatur County family is proud of you.
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#SystemSpotlight #DecaturCountySchools #RiversidePride #ThankYouForYourService
Plan ahead, mark your dates, and get ready for another great year in Decatur County Schools!!!
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The Decatur County School System is seeking applications for a Custodial Worker at Decatur County Middle School. 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 is a 12-month position (M-F from 7:00 a.m. -3:30 p.m.) with a proposed annual salary of $25,910 for the 2026-2027 school year.
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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, May 1, 2026.
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For more information, please contact Ms. Kodi Breeden, DCMS Principal @ (731)847-6510 or kodi.beck@decaturschools.org
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The Decatur County School System is seeking applications for a high school band and music teacher for Grades 9-12 at Riverside High School for the 2026-27 school year.
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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.
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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/GpT7FxfhXFnhN22C7
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The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher
license with an endorsement in Special Education K-12 will be
considered for the 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/thAstGmBW2vAxWgS9
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For more information, please contact Ms. Michelle McElrath, Supervisor of Special Education Services michelle.mcelrath@decaturschools.org or (731)847-5908.
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The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, May 1, 2026.
Sealed bids will be received by the Decatur County Board of Education, Decaturville, Tennessee, until 9:00 a.m. on Monday May 4th, 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 a 28’ x 46’ x 2” poured in place (Brown/Black) rubber playground surfacing on to an existing concrete pad with an erected playground structure established.
• Completion date June 15th, 2026
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 Pre-K Playground Surfacing 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:
Keith Dickson, Facilities Supervisor
Decatur County Board of Education P.O. Box 369
Decaturville, Tennessee 38329
Phone: 731-733-1168
