System Spotlight: SFC Jason McCarley
.
Decatur County Schools is proud to shine a spotlight on Sergeant First Class Jason McCarley, whose story is one of perseverance, service, and success.
.
Jason moved into Decatur County with his family and continued his education in Decatur County Schools. During his senior year, he made the decision to step away from the traditional classroom to begin working, completing his GED through Adult Education with Mrs. Rebecca Webb. Refusing to let that be the end of his educational journey, Jason later returned as an adult learner to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Bethel University—a powerful reminder that there are many paths to success.
.
Reflecting on his school years, Jason shared: “I loved my time at Decatur County Schools. It helped shape my future and always felt like home for a kid like me who had moved around his entire life.”
.
For the past 32 years, Jason has served our country in the U.S. Army, a career that has demanded sacrifice, resilience, and strength. His first deployment came in March 2005 with the Parsons National Guard unit, marking the beginning of many sacrifices for both him and his family.
.
- 21 years, 9 months, 17 days of active duty service
- 3 different uniforms were worn throughout his career
- 2 deployments to Iraq
- Countless weekends, trainings, schools, and missions that kept him away from home and family
.
Jason’s journey has been made possible with the love and support of his wife of 31 years, Crystal Blankenship McCarley, a Riverside graduate. Together, they have raised three children and are now blessed with one granddaughter. His family has stood by him through every deployment, training, and milestone, sharing in both the sacrifices and the pride of his service.
.
As Jason retires, he leaves behind a legacy of commitment—to his education, his family, his country, and his community.
.
On behalf of Decatur County Schools and the entire community, we celebrate your retirement and extend our gratitude for your decades of service to both our country and our hometown. We are deeply proud of you.
.
We also honor Crystal and all military spouses who serve in their own way—standing strong, supporting their families, and sharing in the sacrifices that military life demands.
.
Congratulations, SFC McCarley—HOOAH!
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
.
.
The deadline for applying is Friday, August 22, 2025
When scheduling appointments or planning vacations, please remember to check our school calendar first. Every day in class is a valuable learning opportunity, and consistent attendance is essential for our students to succeed.
Let’s work together to make sure our Panther Pack is present, engaged, and ready to learn all year long!
A mandatory meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 12th at 5:30 pm in the Parsons Elementary Cafeteria for all students enrolled in a PreK class for the 2025-26 school year. At least one representative per student is required to attend.
.
As our new administration begins, we are committed to being transparent and open with our community. With that being said, we would like to inform each of you about an issue related to our Riverside High School "R" logo.
.
Recently, the school received a formal notice from Rice University and its licensing company, Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), requesting that we stop using the “R” logo because it is their registered trademark.
.
Although this may seem frustrating or even a little absurd, our legal counsel has confirmed that the request is legitimate. Education attorney Chris Hayden shared,
“CLC is a legitimate organization and the largest collegiate intellectual property management company. The email checks out, and I expect it is valid. If we ignored CLC and they filed an infringement action against us, we would lose. There’s no way our usage of it would fall under fair use or any other infringement exception.”
.
This issue is becoming more common for schools across the country. Attorney Ben Torres, Tennessee School Board Association, also explained that this issue is becoming more common for schools across the country, adding:
“This is a topic that has started to show up more and more with high schools. We’ve even seen this happen recently in Tennessee, like with Cheatham County Middle School. The college may be willing to grant a license at a low cost, or you could negotiate for more time. But removing the logo online is the immediate priority.”
.
Attorney Hayden further explained why Rice University must enforce this issue:
“If an IP owner allows others to use their property without policing it, courts have ruled that they’ve abandoned it. That’s why Rice and CLC have to be aggressive in sending these kinds of letters, even to small rural schools. These companies hire people—and now use AI—to scan the internet daily to find entities using the Rice ‘R.’ And in this instance, they found you.”
.
Director Thompson and the Decatur County Board of Education are actively exploring our options, including:
- Exploring whether a license from Rice University is a viable path forward.
- Evaluating the financial implications of licensing versus rebranding.
- If needed, requesting more time to make necessary changes.
.
While the situation is not one we expected, it does give us the opportunity to consider a future identity that is uniquely and proudly Riverside.
.
We understand this “R” has become a symbol of pride for our students, staff, and community. But Riverside has always been about more than a logo — it's about heart, tradition, and the people who make our Panther family what it is.
.
NOTE: We ask that you refrain from posting or using the Old English R that Rice has trademarked until we have an approved plan of action. Going forward, we will communicate more information as it becomes available.
.
Once a Panther, Always a Panther. Together, we will move forward.
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
The Decatur County Board of Education will have a special called meeting at 6:00 pm on Thursday, July 31st at the Decatur County Board of Education.
.
Decatur County Middle School is excited to welcome Coach Matt Marshall back to campus as Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and Behavioral Support Interventionist for the 2025–26 school year!
.
A proud Decatur County native, Coach Marshall began his educational journey as a student in this very school system. After earning his Bachelor of Science from Lambuth University and a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University, he was blessed to begin and build his 29-year career right here at home—serving the community he loves.
.
Coach Marshall’s career began at Parsons Junior High, where he taught 8th grade Science and Health & PE while also coaching football. When DCMS was formed, he transitioned to the middle school, continuing his teaching and coaching duties while also becoming a school bus driver and later Assistant Principal. Most recently, he served as Assistant Principal at Parsons Elementary for the past three years.
.
Now returning to DCMS, Coach Marshall brings a wealth of experience and a heart for students. “I am excited to return to DCMS as an Assistant Principal,” he shared. “My 26 years’ experience working with the middle school age group has given me the knowledge to be able to facilitate most, if not all, the situations that could occur at the middle school level.”
.
This year, he’s adding a few more hats to his role—serving as both Athletic Director and Behavioral Support Interventionist. With 18 years of coaching football and a lifelong love for athletics, Coach Marshall is a natural fit to lead the school's athletic programs. He also looks forward to implementing positive behavioral strategies that support the whole child, not just their academic performance.
.
DCMS Principal, Ms. Kodi Breeden, shared, “I look forward to Coach Marshall’s assistance with behavioral interventions, safety and security, along with being our Athletic Director.”
.
When he’s not on campus, Coach Marshall enjoys traveling, watching movies, and cheering on the Tennessee Vols in any sport. He and his wife Kara are both dedicated supporters of Decatur County students and families.
.
As Coach Marshall put it best: “I hope that the students, parents, and all staff are as enthusiastic about the upcoming school year as I am.” 💙💛
.
Decatur County Schools would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. P. Jack Kilpatrick for his generous donation of school supplies. He recently stopped by for a quick visit to personally deliver the supplies to Director of Schools, Mrs. Melinda Thompson—a simple gesture with a lasting impact.
.
When asked about his donation, Mr. Kilpatrick simply said he “just wanted to help someone out.” That’s just who he is—kind, humble, and always ready to give back.
.
Mr. P. Jack has been a tremendous supporter of Decatur County Schools over the years. You’ll often see him at ball games, school events, or community functions—always laughing and talking. His presence is a constant reminder of the strong community spirit that surrounds our students and schools.
.
As Director Thompson shared, “This is what makes Decatur County Schools successful—the heart and dedication of its people.”
.
We are grateful for the many people like Mr. Kilpatrick who show us that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. When everyone does a little, nobody has to do a lot.
.
@abc
.
Our amazing Decatur County Schools Nutrition Program staff has been hard at work this week with training and preparation to make sure everything is perfect for the start of school!
We are incredibly proud of our dedicated cafeteria staff—they care deeply about the health and well-being of our students, and it shows in everything they do. 💙 From preparing meals to serving with a smile, they play a vital role in our school community.
We’re excited to share that all Decatur County Schools students will once again receive breakfast and lunch free of charge for the 2025–26 school year! 🎉
Please encourage your students to stop by the cafeteria each day and enjoy a nutritious meal. Participation matters—it’s one of the key factors that helps us continue this important program.
In Decatur County Schools, everyone plays an important role—and we’re grateful for our nutrition team leading the way in fueling student success!
🎉 Celebrating Excellence in Education! 🎉
.
Decatur County Schools would like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate Mrs. Janet Pettigrew for her incredible dedication to her students and her work with JAG-TN (Jobs for America’s Graduates – Tennessee) at Riverside High School.
.
During last week’s training, Mrs. Janet received JAG National’s highest honor—the prestigious 6-of-6 Award! This award recognizes her for meeting or exceeding national benchmarks in Graduation Rate, Connection Rate, Employment Rate, Full-Time Employment Rate, Post-Secondary Rate, and Positive Full-Time Outcomes. Simply put: she’s helping students succeed in life and beyond the classroom!
.
👏Dr. Lyndi King, Chief Operating Officer for JAG Tennessee, shared: "I wanted to take a moment and thank Decatur County Schools for their continued support for JAGTN and for Ms. Janet. She is truly amazing and is making a difference in the lives of her students!"
.
👨🏫 Riverside High School Principal, Mr. Lex Suite, added:
"We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Janet’s accomplishments and the impact she’s making through the JAG program. Her commitment to helping students build a strong foundation for their future is inspiring. She is a vital part of our Panther family."
.
📚 What is JAG-TN?
JAG-TN is a state affiliate of Jobs for America’s Graduates, a national organization dedicated to preventing dropouts and supporting students in achieving academic, career, and life success. The program equips students with employability skills, leadership development, and real-world experience, preparing them for college, careers, or the military.
.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Janet Pettigrew on this remarkable achievement and thank her for the work she does every day to empower our students. 💙💛
.
@abc
.
Decatur County Schools is proud to welcome Ms. Emily Keeton back to Decatur County Middle School, where she will serve as the 8th-grade science teacher this year. Ms. Keeton holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education from UT Martin and a Master of Science in Agriculture and Extension Education from Mississippi State University. She previously taught ELA at DCMS for nearly six years and has been teaching Agricultural Leadership at UTM Parsons since 2017.
.
As she steps into this new role, Ms. Keeton is excited to bring a fresh perspective to 8th Grade Science. With her background in agriculture and experience teaching ELA, she hopes to help students feel successful in ways that best suit their learning styles. She shared, “I am SO EXCITED to be back with the 8th-grade teaching team. They are such strong teachers, and I feel privileged to share every day with them.”
.
Ms. Keeton says she’s looking forward to the daily routines that allow her to truly get to know her students. She’s eager to make science a relatable subject and to contribute to the positive environment at DCMS. Born and raised on a cattle farm in Bath Springs, TN, she now lives nearby with her parents, Tim and Janet, and her brother, John Lawson—who will soon be welcoming a new sister-in-law, Lucinda Carrington, in September.
.
Outside of work, Ms. Keeton enjoys attending Life Fitness Dance (shout out to Heather Coleman!), writing, singing, thrifting, and working with her uncle at The News Leader. She’s always felt drawn to education, and her time at DCMS confirmed that middle schoolers are a truly special group to teach. “They are just starting to really question the world around them, and it’s an honor to be a part of their development,” she shared.
.
DCMS Principal Ms. Kodi Breeden shared, “We are elated to welcome Ms. Emily back to DCMS! She was an asset to our 8th grade team in prior years, and we believe she will continue to be an integral part of that team moving forward. Her dedication to helping students learn and meeting each child where they’re at really sets her apart. We are excited to have her join our Science department!”
.
Ms. Keeton adds, “I am very happy and excited to be back at DCMS! It's going to be a great year!” Please join us in giving her a warm Panther Pack welcome as she begins this exciting new chapter. We can’t wait to see the amazing things she’ll accomplish! 🐾
.
@abc
.
Mrs. Inman brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education to this important role. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with an Early Childhood Concentration from the University of Memphis, a Special Education Endorsement from Trevecca Nazarene University, and is currently working toward a Master’s degree in Leadership from UT Martin.
.
Mrs. Inman taught for 10 years at Cordova Elementary before moving to Parsons, where she spent 16 years teaching Pre-K in Decatur County. Most recently, she served as Campus Coordinator at TCAT Parsons. Through her time in the classroom and in leadership roles, she has gained a broad perspective on education and leadership styles that have helped shape her into the leader she is today.
.
She shared, “I’m absolutely elated to return to the school system where my Pre-K journey began. It’s truly full-circle, and I’m looking forward to working alongside an incredible team to help shape early education in Decatur County. My goal is to support and uplift our Pre-K staff so they can be their best and provide a strong foundation for our youngest learners.”
.
For 18 years, Mrs. Inman has been married to Rick Inman. They have two children, Thomas and Mary Randall. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, cheering on her kids at various events, and spending time with family.
.
Director of Schools Melinda Thompson shared, “Mrs. Inman brings not only a deep knowledge of early childhood education but also a passion for our students and teachers. She knows the content and will be an incredible asset to our Pre-K program.”
.
We are excited for the future of Pre-K in Decatur County and proud to have Mrs. Inman leading the way!
