Steven McClanahan named RCS Safety Director
McClanahan has diverse background as School Resource Officer, classroom teacher
Veteran law enforcement officer and classroom teacher Steven McClanahan has been named the new RCS Director of Safety, Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan announced today.
McClanahan succeeds Patty Oeser, who has announced her retirement after serving in the position since 2022. She previously served for many years with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
“I want to thank Patty for her years of dedicated service to our schools, our employees, and our students,” Director Sullivan said. “The safety director position is a thankless job that requires long hours and an unpredictable schedule, and Patty has served selflessly in the role.”
McClanahan currently serves as a structured-setting classroom teacher at Riverdale High School, a position he has held since 2012. Previously, he served as a school resource officer and also has experience as a football coach in Rutherford and Marshall counties.
McClanahan has the respect of many within the law enforcement and emergency management communities within Rutherford County, Sullivan said.
“I’m excited about Mr. McClanahan’s diverse background as both a former school resource officer and as a current structured-setting classroom teacher at one of our high schools,” Sullivan said. “His unique and valuable combination of experiences makes him exceptionally qualified to lead our district’s comprehensive approach to school safety. He understands school safety from multiple perspectives and recognizes the importance of balancing security with a positive learning environment.”
McClanahan holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Education from Middle Tennessee State University, a special education endorsement from MTSU, and a Master of Arts in Education and Instructional Leadership from Bethel University.
He also holds several certifications and specialized training in emergency management and law enforcement, and he is a graduate of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy. He served as a deputy and school resource officer for the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office from 1999-2003.
McClanahan thanked Dr. Sullivan for entrusting him with such an important role.
“I want to foster an environment where students, staff, parents, and the community feel empowered to communicate concerns and work together to keep our schools safe,” McClanahan said. “Some of my experiences in law enforcement and in the classroom have reinforced my beliefs about school safety, and effective school safety is about more than responding to emergencies. It’s about prevention, preparedness, collaboration, and building a strong relationship with stakeholders before a crisis occurs.”
Director Sullivan believes McClanahan’s background will help “bridge the worlds” between education, law enforcement, and first responders to enhance the school district’s robust safety program and existing partnerships.
“Throughout his career, Mr. McClanahan has demonstrated a commitment to collaboration, communication, and proactive problem-solving — qualities that are essential in maintaining safe and supportive learning environments in our schools,” Sullivan said.
McClanahan will begin his new role on Monday, July 13, and will work alongside Oeser and Assistant Safety Director Sean Martin to ensure a smooth transition for the upcoming school year, which begins on August 7 for students.
