(RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN) When combined, Rutherford County Schools and Murfreesboro City Schools operate 63 public schools and serve approximately 60,000 students.

Those numbers make the school systems among the largest in Tennessee, only behind Knox County, Davidson County and Shelby County.

To ensure the continued success of students, both districts see an increased need to gain further support from community groups, non-profits and faith-based organizations.

RCS and MCS are co-hosting a “School Partnership Fair” on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. The event will be held at Siegel High School from 9-11 a.m.

The school districts are calling any and all organizations to attend if they wish to learn more about the specific needs and partnership opportunities with local schools.

“School and community partnerships are vital for helping students succeed,” says Murfreesboro City School Director Dr. Trey Duke. “We are thrilled to come together with our faith-based and community partners to highlight our schools and their respective needs. This event is a shared vision and designed to bring recognition and support for the collaborative efforts and opportunities in our schools.”  

Rutherford County Schools Director Dr. Jimmy Sullivan agrees and hopes to see lasting relationships develop between schools and community service groups.

“Rutherford County is a strong community rooted in service and support of the common good,” Sullivan says. “This event will serve as a spark to further unite our non-profit agencies, places of worship, and our two high performing school systems.”

Both school directors recently met with Pastor James McCarroll of First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro to brainstorm ways to connect community agencies and churches to help schools with their needs. The idea for a partnership fair was the outcome of that meeting.

Each school will have representatives and information sheets on-hand to provide information about school needs and opportunities.

Although not required, those groups, agencies or churches planning to attend the event are asked to RSVP to Tori Carr at Tori.Carr@cityschools.net for planning purposes.

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