MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Rutherford County Schools is turning to a familiar face with deep roots in both education and law enforcement. Veteran officer and longtime classroom teacher Steven McClanahan (See photo below article for larger image) has been named the district’s new Director of Safety.

McClanahan will take the reins from Patty Oeser, who is retiring after serving in the role since 2022 and after many years with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. Sullivan praised her steady leadership, noting that school safety is “a thankless job” with long hours and unpredictable demands. He said Oeser handled those challenges with unwavering dedication.

For McClanahan, the move marks a return to district-wide safety work after more than a decade inside the classroom. Since 2012, he has served as a structured setting teacher at Riverdale High School. Before that, he worked as a school resource officer and even spent time on the football sidelines as a coach in both Rutherford and Marshall counties. Sullivan said that blend of experiences gives McClanahan a rare perspective on what students and staff need to feel secure.

Rutherford County Schools Director, Dr. Jimmy Sullivan added, "McClanahan’s reputation within local law enforcement and emergency management circles is strong, and his background positions him well to bridge the worlds of education and first responders."

McClanahan holds many advanced degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and Bethel University, along with specialized emergency management training and certification from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy. He served as a deputy and SRO with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office from 1999 to 2003.

McClanahan said he hopes to build a culture where students, staff, parents, and the community feel comfortable raising concerns and working together. Effective school safety, he emphasized, is about more than responding to emergencies — it’s about prevention, preparedness, collaboration, and strong relationships long before a crisis ever occurs.

He will officially begin his new role this coming Monday, July 13, 2026, working alongside Oeser and Assistant Safety Director Sean Martin to ensure a smooth transition ahead of the new school year, which begins August 7 for students.

Below Photo: Steven McClanahan, Rutherford County Schools