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Board hears updates on virtual academy, literacy events and district capital projects
Summary
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Abby May announced a PCSD virtual academy for grades 6–12 to begin in the fall and reviewed literacy month events; Assistant Superintendent Chris Parker reported on multiple school remodels, classroom additions and district operational plans including furniture replacement, door rekeying and centralized food storage.
At the March 12 Pickens County School Board meeting, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Abby May outlined academic initiatives and celebrations while Assistant Superintendent for Operations Chris Parker updated the board on capital and operational projects.
Dr. May highlighted the district’s Goal Area 1 work on student achievement: a PCSD virtual academy with the tagline “your path, your pace, and always a dragon” will be offered to students in grades 6 through 12 beginning in the fall; the district will host informational meetings and publish details on the district website. She also reviewed literacy-month activities and two literacy events for different grade bands, noting teacher and student participation and a visit by a young‑author speaker.
Parker provided construction and facilities updates: a high‑school remodel that has been active for about three years is expected to finish in August; Tate is undergoing a two‑year upgrade; Hill City remodel work is planned for the coming year; Pickens Junior High will add classrooms beginning in August with construction extending through the following year. Parker said guaranteed maximum prices have been obtained for some projects while others are pending. He explained the district removed the Hill City playground from the main remodel and brought it forward for a separate contract, which the board approved later in the meeting.
Operational projects Parker listed include a multi‑year student‑furniture replacement plan (phased across schools), upgraded interior signage for safety and navigation, centralized freezer and food distribution for school nutrition, a teacher‑laptop procurement timeline (targeted for December 2026 in the transcript) and a district‑wide door rekeying plan to be completed over the summer.
Dr. Thomas and staff also announced upcoming career events: a career boot camp and a Pickens Readiness for Employment Program (PREP) with mock interviews aimed at seniors. Athletic achievements and calendar dates for parent conferences, a local pastors’ breakfast and future board meetings were also noted.
