Nearly half of all school districts and about one-third of all public schools are located in rural areas. These schools serve approximately 20% of the nation’s students. Nestled just outside Lebanon, Tennessee, Tuckers Crossroads is one of those, and like many others, they face unique challenges from recruiting and retaining teachers to providing students in remote areas a well-rounded education.
That’s why Rural 1st, alongside Farm Credit Mid-America, jumped in to help the 375 kindergarten through eighth grade students and roughly 30 teachers overcome some of those unique challenges.
During the summer of 2023, more than 20 Rural 1st and Farm Credit Mid-America team members from retail offices in Lebanon, Murfreesboro, Shelbyville and Fayetteville rolled up their sleeves to give back in a big way. Through community investment dollars, individual contributions and volunteerism, they revamped areas of the school.
The team transformed the teachers’ lounge into a comfortable haven, repurposing furniture from Farm Credit Mid-America’s Middle Tennessee offices. They revitalized the playground, clearing debris to create a safer, more enjoyable space for students. Additionally, they helped organize and stock the student reward center that promotes positive behavior.
“Our engagement and contributions made a big impact on this community, its teachers and its students,” said Expedited Closing Specialist Jamme Littrell. “Supporting our local communities has more of an impact than we sometimes realize.”
In 2023, Farm Credit Mid-America, Rural 1st’s parent company, directed $4 million towards local communities. Tuckers Crossroads School is one of many ways our retail team members connect our purpose to the communities where we live and work.