Please, everyone, welcome Mrs. Michelle McElrath as she transitions to the Special Education Supervisor beginning in the 2023-24 school year.
Mrs. Michelle has been a Decatur County School System employee for 32 years. Her first six years were spent as a teaching assistant in our Special Education department and the next twenty-six years as a Special Education teacher. Some of her assignments included: Redelivery of state-required content and attending trainings/conferences as a lead teacher and representative of her district and school. She also served as the Special Education Department's District Compliance Monitoring Team member. Mrs. McElrath received her Bachelor of Science in Special Education K-12 from Bethel and a Masters in Administration, Pre-K - 12th from Tennessee State University.
Mrs. Michelle states that she is “excited about starting this new journey as the Special Education Supervisor for Decatur County School System. Representing our district as the Special Education Supervisor will allow me the opportunity to ensure the provision of quality education and support services for all Students with Disabilities in our district. My goal for Special Education is for all Students with Disabilities to receive equal educational opportunities in their least restrictive environment in order to thrive to the best of their ability when transitioning into adulthood.” Going forward, Mrs. Michelle says she “looks forward to serving the students and their families, as well as working with district administrators, principals, teachers, support staff, community organizations, agencies, and outside service providers to help foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment for our Students with Disabilities.”
Mrs. Michelle’s family has lived in Decaturville for over 37 years. She is married to Larry McElrath, and together, they have three children: Demetria Hunley (James), Daryl McElrath, and Deidre McElrath. They are blessed with two grandchildren: LeighAnn McClure and Davina Hunley. She enjoys walking, traveling with my family, and quiet time with my Heavenly Father.
Decaturville Elementary Principal, Mrs. Melinda Thompson, said "Mrs. Michelle will be the perfect fit for this position; she has the knowledge, skills, and professionalism. I am tremendously exctied to work alongside her in this new role. Congratualtions." "We are very excited to have Ms. Michelle join our district leadership team. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to benefit our students and staff,” stated HR / Supervisor of Instruction Mr. Hugh Smith. Decatur County School System is confident Mrs. Michelle will thrive in her new role and looks forward to the positive impact she will make. We are excited to embark on this journey and look forward to achieving great things as we work together.