The DeKalb County Board of Education has begun the process of selecting a new Director of Schools.
During Thursday night’s regular monthly meeting, the board voted to post a notice on the school system’s website seeking applications for the position from May 15 through June 15.
(Click the first link below to view the posted notice. Click the second link below to view the actual application)
1274_001.pdf (32.67 KB)
http://images.pcmac.org/Uploads/DekalbCountySD/DekalbCountySD/Divisions/…
According to Board Chairman W.J. (Dub) Evins, III the application is basically the same form as was used nine years ago except for a few changes.
“We had a workshop prior to this meeting and all (board members) agreed on the format. The best way to explain this is to say that we are going to start tomorrow (Friday, May 15) and at least start with posting it on our website and have a time line of May 15 to June 15 which would actually be 31 days. In the interim, we will have to do some things ourselves to structure the contract and some more detailed issues but before we do that at least we can get started with posting on the website for anyone interested in applying and details will be on that website. We looked at the application that we did previously nine years ago. We added some more details to that and anyone wanting to see that can get on our website. It’s pretty detailed,” said Evins.
In other business, the board voted to hire Chattanooga attorney Scott Bennett, who specializes in school law, to give advice as needed. “It won’t be a monthly retainer. It will just be a per hour retainer and if there is something of less consequence during the year we can hire someone locally. We’re not obligated in any way to use this gentleman but his name is Scott Bennett. He is with a law firm in Chattanooga who specializes in school law. He is legal counsel for Hamilton County, Coffee County and several other counties. We can talk with him through emails or over the phone for advice. There are two attorneys in the law firm who specialize in school law and their rate is $170 per hour. We still have attorney Randall Bennett, who is no relation (to Scott Bennett) of the Tennessee School Boards Association and we can still get his free advice and counsel but he (Randall Bennett) doesn’t do new contracts for a director so we would have to get someone to do that. Scott Bennett specializes in that,” said Board Chairman Evins.

The DeKalb County Board of Education has released the qualifications and five page application form for those seeking to become the next Director of Schools.
(Click the link below to view the actual application)
http://images.pcmac.org/Uploads/DekalbCountySD/DekalbCountySD/Divisions/…
The “Vacancy Posting” cites the following educational qualifications:
1. A professional educator’s license with Superintendent (Director of Schools) endorsement or a Tennessee Professional Administrator’s license.
2. A master’s degree in education with a preference for a doctorate degree
3. Three years of successful experience in school administration
4. Such other qualifications as the Board deems desirable
Additional Application Requirements:
1. Must live in or agree to move to DeKalb County within 90 days of hire
2. Professional Resume including Transcripts
3. Formal letter of interest
Description of Position:
The management responsibilities of the Director of Schools shall extend to all activities of the district, to all phases of the educational program, to all aspects of the financial operations, to all parts of the physical plant, and to the conduct of such other duties as may be assigned by the Board.
Contact person:
Jamie Vickers, Secretary, for information regarding the application process and for a complete description of the qualifications and duties of this position. Applications will be accepted beginning May 15, 2015 through June 15, 2015.

Three people are in trouble with the law after Smithville Police found drugs and paraphernalia in their vehicle during a traffic accident investigation last Saturday, May 9.
Captain Steven Leffew said 33 year old Jason Aaron Davis is charged with possession of schedule I & II drugs; 34 year old Wesley M Peterson is cited for having a suspended license; and a juvenile has been issued a citation for simple possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both Davis and Peterson will make an appearance in General Sessions Court on June 18.
According to police, Officer Will Judkins was dispatched to an accident at KFC/Taco Bell on Saturday, May 9 at 8:44 p.m. While investigating the mishap Officer Judkins became suspicious of the persons and vehicle involved. Drug Officer James Cornelius and K-9 LEO were brought in to assist and the dog alerted several times on the exterior of the vehicle apparently due to an odor of a narcotic substance. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and found a black tar substance believed to be Heroin, a bottle containing a liquid substance thought to be Methadone, pills suspected of being Hydroxyzine Pamoate & Duloxetiue Hydrochloride along with marijuana and items that are commonly used with illegal drugs.
Corporal Chip Avera and Officer Lance Dillard assisted in the investigation.
Meanwhile, 19 year old Ernest Willard Dodd Jr. was arrested on Wednesday, May 6 for aggravated assault and violation of an order of protection. His bond is $9,500 and he will be in court June 4. According to police, Officer Matt Farmer was dispatched to a field behind Village Place in response to a physical domestic. Upon arrival he heard yelling and crying and found Dodd and the victim in the middle of the field among a small stand of trees. Officer Farmer spoke with them and found the victim to have marks on her arms, neck and face. He also learned that the woman has an order of protection against Dodd.
In conjunction with the Department of Children Services, Smithville Police arrested 68 year old Patricia Dorene Linder for child abuse on Monday, May 4. According to police, DCS reported an incident to Captain Steven Leffew that day which had occurred involving a juvenile. The charge against Linder was the result of an investigation by Detective Brandon Donnell. Her bond is $5,000 and she will be in court May 28.
43 year old Patsy Lynn Estes McCoy was arrested on Thursday, May 14 for burglary, theft and for resist stop, halt, frisk, arrest, and search. Sergeant Brad Tatrow was called to the emergency room of the hospital in reference to someone burglarizing vehicles in the parking lot. After an investigation McCoy was found to have entered two vehicles in the ER parking lot without the knowledge or consent of the owners and she allegedly took items from each vehicle. Sergeant Tatrow observed McCoy attempting to conceal something in her hand and when he ordered her to produce it she refused. McCoy then pulled away as Sergeant Tatrow tried to retrieve it. Police discovered that McCoy had taken items from the medical floor without the knowledge or consent of hospital personnel. Bond for McCoy is $6,000 and she will be in court on May 28.
Officer Joey Myers took a report on Thursday, May 14 in which a victim reported that as he was leaving Smithville he approached Smith Road and saw a female run into the roadway shouting “help me”. The victim said when he stopped his vehicle to help, a man pulled up in a truck and busted the driver side window of his (victim’s) vehicle with a bottle. The victim said after he drove away, he discovered his left arm was bleeding from the broken window glass. At the time of the call, county deputies were responding to a physical domestic regarding two persons who fit the description of the man and woman involved in this (city) incident. The victim later identified the two with whom he had come in contact. One of them, 25 year old Clinton Lane Cope was cited for vandalism and assault. Cope will be in court on May 28.

DeKalb County High School has set graduation for Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. on the high school football field.
The commencement program will feature the presentation of the White Rose and Citizenship Awards to members of the Class, a performance by the DCHS Chorus, and remarks by the Class Valedictorian Julia Little and Class President Kelsey Hedge. Honor students will also be recognized by Guidance Counselors Lori Myrick and Shelly Painter including those who have earned top rank, honors, and distinction status. The DCHS band will perform the processional and recessional. Principal Patrick Cripps will make brief comments and present the class to Interim Director of Schools Dr. Danielle Collins, who will then award diplomas to the graduates as their names are called. The invocation and benediction will be given by FCA members Bailey Hayes and Lane Ball respectively.
Meanwhile, Scholarships and other awards will be presented to members of the Class of 2015 during Senior Awards Night on Monday, May 18 at 6:00 p.m. at DCHS. WJLE will have LIVE coverage.
A total of 184 students make up the Class of 2015 at DCHS including the following.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW PHOTOS OF GRADUATES. NOTE THERE ARE FOUR PAGES OF PHOTOS. BE SURE TO CLICK EACH PICTURE TO OBTAIN A LARGER VIEW OF THE GRADUATE AND TO READ HIS OR HER NAME)
http://www.wjle.com/graduation-2015-page-1
Lena Santos Sosa-Ackerman, Carrie Lee Adams, Rachel Elizabeth Adcock, Shara Cate Adcock, Kevin Aldino, Raymundo Alfaro, Charles James Allen, Jennifer Rose Angaran
Rayanna Carol Baker, Austin Lane Ball, Jonathon Lance Ball, Tanisha Danielle Bandy, Tara Renee Bandy, Olivia Hope Bain-Barber, Alexis Leshae Barnwell, William Scales Barry, Justin Tyler Bass, Issac Corbin Beck, Rebecca Marie Benshoof, Troy A. Binkley, Kathryn Grace Blair, John Bailey Bly, Justin Michael Bone, Luke Collin Boss, John Tyler Bradford, Calum Micheal Braswell, Kelsey Nicole Braswell, Austin Jacobs Brown, Ricardo Allan Brown, Erin Nichole Burchfield, Leah Brooke Burchfield, Brittany Autumn Burke
Cayla Cheyanne Cantrell, David Austin Cantrell, Richard Dylan Cantrell, Caroline Caplinger, William Michael Caplinger, Erin Nichole Casselberry, Wendy Anne Cassinera, Brandon Tyler Chapman, Franco Clavel, Taylor Michael Cook, Michael Alan Coronado, Chase Crane, Loren Jane Cripps, Preston Cripps, Tiffany Culwell, Megan Lynn Cunningham, Benjamin Ty Curtis
Lenzi Dickens, Jalene Dilligard, Richard Dishman, Savannah Kate Driver,
Dakoda Eaton, Brandon Elandt, Austin Ellis, Taylor Ellis,
Michael Lee Ferguson, Corey Christopher Ferrell, Matthew Tyler Florida, Matthew Dakota Foutch,
Mackenzie Lauren Gann, Sydnie Laura Garmer, Dakota Dawn Gaskill, Josue Guadalupe Muniz Godinez, Erasmo Garcia Godinez, Dylan James Goodman, Brooke Ann Goodson, Kelley Dawn Goodwin, Joan Emiliano Gopar, Shelby Greco, Dustin Lee Griffith, Ronald Gutierrez
Aaron Jared Haggard, Natasha Ann Halcomb, Austin Clyde Hale, Haley Marie Hale, Jacob Ryan Hale, Paul Drake Harris, Clint Allen Hawker, Bailey Thomas Hayes, Samantha Blair Hayes, Kelsey Sueanna Hedge, Brady Ray Herriott, Austin Ryan Hicks, Rachel Danielle Holcomb, Nicole Anastasia Hunt
Alyssia Elizabeth Jackson, Chelsea Faith Johnson, Daniel Lynn Johnson, Eric Quinton Johnson, Justin Neal Johnson, Joseph Alan Jones, Mariah Faith Jones, Hannah Marie Judkins
Kara Paige Kanipe
Brandon Robert Leiser, Julia Ellyn Little
Idalia Alejandra Ortega Maciel, Robert Heath Maples, Jadon Shane Marlar, Kaitlyn Brooke Martin, Tayler Brooke Martin, Nathan Ray Mathis, Zackary Bryce Maxwell, Anna Marie May, Michael Anthony May, Destiney Page McCardell, Micah Brey Merriman, Sharazzia On’ya Mills, Rachel Dawn Mofield, Kenzie M’Lynn Morris, Jonathan E. Munoz, Tyler Wayne Murphy
Nathaniel Alexander Nabors
Cason Damon Oakley, Courtney Danielle Odom, Kalob O’Neal, Jacquelyn Rae Overbey
Cody Marshall Pack, Joseph David Pack, Kristyn Bailey Pack, Nicholas Shane Parsley, Aaron Scott Patterson, Allison Hope Patton, Monica Loren Pedigo, Elisabet Martinez-Perez, Shayla Kristine Pedigo, Kendall Lynn Petty, Brianna Lea Phillips, Elijah Scott Porterfield, Bethany Brooke Poss, John Logan Poss, William Henry Puckett
Jose Guadalupe Quintero
Makayla Korene Redmon, Brooke Nicole Reffue, Zachary Donald Roberts, Emily Kay Robinson, Brooke Danielle Roller, John Everette Roller, Erin Leigh Rose, Makalee Beth Ruch, Bethany May Louise Russell, Talon Russell
Heather Jewel Scott, Harlli Whyte Silcox, Grant Alexander Smelcer,IV, Oscar Joel Soto, Kamien Leshay Sparks, Taylor Jayne Stacey, Makayla Beth Starnes, Emilee Kay Stephens, Hunter Jantz Stone, Nathan Edwin Stringer
Autumn Colleen Taylor, Keira Taylor, Kathleen Nicole Thomas, Ethan James Thomason, Peyton Alexander Thompson, Jose Luis Guadalupe Tierranegra Saldivar, Austin Blayne Tittel, Lydia Danielle Trail, Charles Anthony Tramel, Daniel Alexander Trigueros, Kierra Demia Tubbs, Chase Lee Turner, Darrian Lanay Turner, Jordan Marie Turner, Mackenley Dale Turner
Nicholas Tyler Vanatta, Amanda Jane Vincent, Victoria Brooke Vincent
Cody M. Wagner, Dustin Jay Warner, Jacob Heath Washer, Caitlyn Autumn Williams, Katherine Jo Willoughby, Donald Bruce Wilson, Sirus James Wilson, Jeffrey Womack
Charles Jeffery Young, Peyton Kyle Young, and Bobby Lee Yount

State lawmakers hosted a luncheon today at the White Possum Grille (Thursday) to honor the DCHS Class of 2015 Valedictorian Julia Little and Salutatorian MaKalee Ruch
Both Little and Ruch were formally presented copies of resolutions paying tribute to them as adopted in the State House of Representatives and State Senate and signed by the Governor. The presentations were made by State Senator Mae Beavers and State Representatives Terri Lynn Weaver and Mark Pody. DCHS Principal Patrick Cripps and Director of Schools Danielle Collins also attended the luncheon.
The resolutions were approved in the State House by a vote of 97 to 0 and 31 to 0 in the State Senate.
The resolution honoring Little is as follows:
“A RESOLUTION to honor and recognize Julia Little, 2015 Valedictorian of DeKalb County High School.
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should pause to pay tribute to those students who, through their natural talents and unflagging commitment to academic excellence, have distinguished themselves in the classroom; and
WHEREAS, Julia Little is one such exceptional student, who was recently named Valedictorian of the 2015 graduating class at DeKalb County High School; and
WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Julia achieved outstanding academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country; and
WHEREAS, in her remarkable high school career, Julia earned an exemplary grade point average while participating in a number of clubs, including Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Science Club, and Spanish Club; and
WHEREAS, Julia’s display of intellectual aptitude and ambition surely bodes well for her future success as a student at Tennessee Technological University; and
WHEREAS, Julia’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for her parents, Scott Little and Kristin Raymond, her school, and her community; and
WHEREAS, Julia Little’s dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the members of this legislative body; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we hereby commend and honor the 2015 DeKalb County High School Valedictorian, Julia Little, on her impressive academic achievement and extend to her our best wishes for a happy, successful future.
The resolution honoring Ruch is as follows:
“A RESOLUTION to honor and recognize Makalee Ruch, 2015 Salutatorian of DeKalb County High School.
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should pause to pay tribute to those students who, through their natural talents and unflagging commitment to academic excellence, have distinguished themselves in the classroom; and
WHEREAS, Makalee Ruch is one such exceptional student, who was recently named Salutatorian of the 2015 graduating class at DeKalb County High School; and
WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Makalee achieved outstanding academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country; and
WHEREAS, in her remarkable high school career, Makalee earned an exemplary grade point average while participating in a number of activities, including being a member of the student council, Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and Science Club; and
WHEREAS, Makalee’s display of intellectual aptitude and ambition surely bodes well for her future success as a student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and
WHEREAS, Makalee’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for her parents, Joe and Melissa Ruch, her school, and her community; and
WHEREAS, Makalee Ruch’s dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the members of this legislative body; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we hereby commend and honor the 2015 DeKalb County High School Salutatorian, Makalee Ruch, on her impressive academic achievement and extend to her our best wishes for a happy, successful future.

The DeKalb County Tigerettes claimed the Region Tournament Championship with a 3-0 win over Macon County Wednesday evening in Smithville.
The Tigerettes scored three runs on eight hits and made three errors. Macon County was held scoreless on five hits and made no errors. All three Tigerette runs came in the third inning.
Kayley Caplinger pitched a shutout through seven innings. She gave up five hits, struck out eight, and walked none.

Tyra Graham and Kayley Caplinger each had a double. Loren Cripps had a single and a double. Hannah Walker with two singles, and Katie Hall and Myranda Bailiff each with a single.
DeKalb County will host Polk County in the Sub-State Friday, May 15 at 5:00 p.m. in Smithville

Fifth graders at Northside Elementary School received medals and certificates during the annual D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony held Wednesday.
The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program was conducted by D.A.R.E. Instructor and Chief Deputy Don Adamson of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.
Each student prepares an essay during the course and those with the best essays from each class are recognized and awarded. This year’s essay winners at Northside are:
Carlie Sexton from Amy Raymond’s class
Paige Barber from Amanda Griffith’s class
David Martinez from Carrie Gottlied’s class
Bella France from Kristen Hankal’s class
Katelyn Henry from Alisha Day’s class
Rainey Tiner from Josh Odom’s class
Verenisse Quezada from Melissa Hale’s class
Kaitlin Ferrell from January Agee’s class
Carlie Sexton was the over-all winner and she read her essay during Wednesday’s program. In addition to the award, prizes, and recognition, Sexton gets to keep “Daren the Lion” the D.A.R.E. Mascot. General Sessions/Juvenile Court Judge Bratten Cook, II presented Sexton a check for $50.
D.A.R.E. is a cooperative effort by the DeKalb Sheriff’s Department, DeKalb County School System, parents, and the community.
Other officials present for the ceremony were Northside Principal Dr. Gayle Redmon, Assistant Principal Beth Pafford, Guidance Counselor Dr. Linda Bush, Director of Schools Dr. Danielle Collins, County Mayor Tim Stribling, Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack, Register of Deeds Jeff McMillen, Trustee Sean Driver, County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss, and Smithville Alderman Gayla Hendrix. Other members of the Sheriff’s department were also in attendance along with Sheriff Patrick Ray and Chief Deputy Adamson.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a shooting in the Austin Bottom Community Monday night.
According to Sheriff Patrick Ray one person was wounded in the back but it was not believed to have been life threatening. No arrests have been made.
“On Monday May the 11th at 7:36 pm DeKalb County Central Dispatch received a call about a male subject that had been shot at the Austin Bottom Lake Boat Access Area. The victim and the shooter had already left the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival. Officers from DeKalb and Putnam Counties responded to the scene along with DeKalb EMS. A short time later Deputies and Detectives from the DeKalb and Putnam County Sheriff’s Departments were able to find the victim who had traveled to a family member’s house in Cookeville. Sheriff Ray has not released the name of the victim nor the name of the alleged shooter. He said the victim received one gunshot wound to the back but it was not believed to be life threatening. The investigation continues into the incident and more information will be released at a later time.

A 46 year old man was injured when he lost control of his pickup truck on Seven Springs Road Monday night.
According to Trooper Chris Delong of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tommy Linder was traveling east in a GMC Sierra when the truck went off the left side of the road into a ditch and overturned, coming to rest upright. Linder was ejected.
He was treated at the scene by DeKalb EMS and then taken to a helicopter landing zone on Ferrell Road where he was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital.
Members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department were also on the scene.

Three people were airlifted after a rear end collision Monday evening on Highway 56 south.
Trooper Gerald Carter of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that 48 year old Todd Van Dyne was driving a 1987 Dodge pickup truck south on Highway 56 when he crashed into the rear of a southbound 2011 Nissan Rogue, driven by 50 year old Mark Cardwell of Nebraska. Cardwell’s mother, Lady Belle Cardwell of Crossville was a passenger.
All three were flown from the scene by different helicopter ambulances. Van Dyne was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. The Cardwell’s were flown to Vanderbilt Hospital.
DeKalb EMS, the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department, and DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department were also on the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation