White County Schools

See something, say something.  Maintaining safe and secure campuses remains our highest priority.  Please use the StopIt Reporting System to report suspicious or harmful activity.

We contract with Interquest Detections Canines to provide random checks utilizing scent-trained dogs to find drugs, alcohol, weapons, and medication on campus.

Regular training ensures students and staff are prepared for various emergency situations.  Our schools have adopted The “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol.  These 5 protocols – Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter — utilize clear common language while allowing for flexibility within the protocol.  Learn more about the 5 protocols and see information for parents and guardians on this parent handout.

Parents/guardians also play an important role in the reunification process after an event.  This video provides an overview of what to generally expect for a reunification scenario.  In an emergency event, families will receive regular phone call updates through ParentSquare.  Please ensure your phone numbers are up-to-date in Skyward to receive the calls.  

Our Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) safety teams collaborate monthly to assess concerns, provide proactive supports, and respond quickly to any safety issues.

These partners include:

• Sparta Fire Department
• Sparta Police Department
• TN Department of Homeland Security
• White County EMS
• White County Office of Emergency Management
• White County Sheriff’s Office
• 911 Emergency Operations Center

Every school has dedicated SROs building positive relationships with students while ensuring security on campus.

Lt. Scott O’Dell – SRO Supervisor/Alternative School

Sgt. Lewis Carrick – BonDeCroft Elementary

Sgt. Steve Turpin – Cassville Elementary

Sgt. Lucy Calderon – Doyle Elementary

Sgt. Wade Phillips – Findlay Elementary

Sgt. Troy Parmele – Northfield Elementary

Sgt. Wade Pike – Woodland Park Elementary

Sgt. Tony Gramme – White County Middle

Sgt. Troy Stonebreaker – White County High

Sgt. Richard Starowesky – White County High

White County Schools is proud to share our official designation as StormReady® by the National Weather Service since April of 2023.  As one of only a few districts in Tennessee to meet the criteria required for this national certification, this recognition underscores the district’s commitment to the safety of our students, faculty, and staff.

Being "StormReady®" means more than just having a weather radio in the front office. It is a formal recognition from the National Weather Service that the schools have met a specific, rigorous set of safety and communication standards designed to protect students and staff during severe weather.

To earn and maintain the StormReady® distinction, White County Schools works in close collaboration with the National Weather Service Nashville, the White County Office of Emergency Management, and local safety coordinators. The district met several key requirements, including:

• 24-Hour Warning Systems: Establishing redundant methods for receiving NWS warnings and disseminating them to all school sites immediately.
• Detailed Emergency Plans: Developing formal hazardous weather action plans tailored to each campus.
• Infrastructure & Equipment: Ensuring all school front offices are equipped with functional, programmed NOAA Weather Radios.
• Staff Training: Coordinating weather safety training and drills
• Local Monitoring: Implementing systems to monitor weather conditions to make informed decisions regarding dismissals and outdoor activities.

While no community is "storm-proof," being StormReady® ensures that the entire warning system—from the NWS to the classroom—functions with precision when seconds count, and this is just another way that White County Schools is committed to student safety.