“People often describe Bartlett as having a smalltown feel with big-city opportunities,” Mayor Parsons continues. This duality is evident in the amenities Bartlett offers. Despite its modest size, the town boasts police and fire departments, ambulances, and an impressive array of parks—29 in total.These parks are more than just green spaces; they are integral to the community’s quality of life, emphasizing how the town maintains a balance between growth and a close-knit community atmosphere. Living in Bartlett means enjoying the best of both worlds. Mayor Parsons elaborates,“You can still get employment in the big towns and enjoy amenities they bring, such as the Liberty Bowl and Beale Street, but come home to a tranquil,safe community.”A strong sense of heritage and community complements this tranquility. “You go to church on Sundays, and you’re sitting beside neighbors who have raised their families here,” he adds. This tight-knit atmosphere and modern conveniences make Bartlett an ideal place to live and raise a family. BARTLETT’S EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS Education is a cornerstone of Bartlett, and Mayor Parsons eagerly highlights the town’s achievements in this area. “We were part of the Shelby County school system for a long time. This is our 10th anniversary of having our municipal school system,” he remarks. Establishing control over local education has allowed Bartlett to shape its future more directly. “You can’t talk about true quality of life without mentioning schools,” he asserts. Bartlett High School, a historical fixture in the community, symbolizes this. The school has been a cornerstone since the city’s early days, serving around 9,000 students across 11 buildings. As the mayor notes, this local control is crucial: “We have a hands-on approach to what we want the product to be in the future.” One key to Bartlett’s educational success has been hiring exemplary leadership. Mayor Parsons speaks highly of Dr. David Stephens, the Superintendent of Bartlett City Schools.“One of the first things we had to do was to elect a school board and then hire the right person to lead and guide that ship,” he says. This leadership is instrumental as the community prepares for significant investments, such as the 31 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 BARTLETT, TN
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