School District of Pickens County

SDPC is beginning the search for our next superintendent.

Following 13 years of leadership, Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck will conclude his service at the end of the 2026–2027 school year. With advance planning, the Board of Trustees is beginning the search process now to support a thoughtful and seamless transition.

The search will be guided by our Innovate ’28 Strategic Plan and shaped by input from the people who know and care about SDPC — our students, employees, families, and Pickens County community.

🗣️ Your voice matters.

The Board of Trustees, in partnership with the South Carolina School Boards Association, is gathering community input to help identify the qualities, experience, and leadership priorities that should guide the search for SDPC’s next superintendent.

The first opportunity to share your input:

📅 Tuesday, September 29, 2026
📍 Liberty High School (124 Red Devil Drive, Liberty, SC 29657)
⏰ 6:00 PM

Additional opportunities for community input will be announced as the search progresses.

Learn more about the superintendent search and how you can participate: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/article/3112602

#SDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow

Three days in, and the school year is already in full swing. 💙 Classrooms are buzzing with learning, and lunchrooms are filled with conversation, laughter, and new friendships. Each day brings new challenges to tackle, new ideas to explore, and new memories in the making. The school year is off to a great start, and we're excited for what's ahead! #ExperienceSDPC #SDPCBackToSchool #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow

Today was all about settling in. 💙📚 New routines are taking shape, schedules are becoming familiar, friendships are growing, and classrooms are already buzzing with learning. Every day brings new opportunities to learn and grow in SDPC - and we're just getting started!✨ #ExperienceSDPC #SDPCBackToSchool #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow

The first day is officially in the books! 📚 This morning, students filled our classrooms with excitement, curiosity, and big smiles as a new year of learning began. Today was just the beginning of the moments, memories, and milestones that lie ahead. Every new friendship, lesson, challenge, and opportunity is part of the SDPC Experience. We can't wait to see what this school year holds! Welcome back, SDPC! 🎉 #ExperienceSDPC #SDPCBackToSchool #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow

Today, the School District of Pickens County celebrated the grand opening of our SDPC Academy for Early Learners, a milestone in our commitment to experiential learning and innovative approaches to early childhood education.

District leaders, Board of Trustees members, community partners, educators, and special guests gathered to celebrate this exciting investment in our youngest learners. The event featured a performance by Sweet Potato Pie Kids, remarks from district leaders and project partners, and concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Liberty Primary School, where our Pre-K students helped officially open the doors to their new learning environment. Guests then toured the newly completed immersive classrooms, experiencing firsthand how these thoughtfully designed spaces will spark curiosity, creativity, and discovery.

Designed around learning through exploration, play, and hands-on experiences, the SDPC Academy for Early Learners encourages students to ask questions, solve problems, and build foundational skills in engaging, meaningful ways.

Last year, one immersive classroom opened at each of our four hub schools: Six Mile Elementary, Hagood Elementary, East End Elementary, and Liberty Primary. This summer, the remaining classrooms were completed at each site, creating a fully immersive Academy experience for every Pre-K student as they walk through our doors next week.

The SDPC Experience begins here. We can't wait to welcome our newest learners into classrooms designed for wonder, exploration, and endless possibilities.

To find out more about the Academy for Early Learners, visit our webpage: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/preschool-programs

#SDPCAcademyForEarlyLearners #ExperienceSDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow

🎉 75 YEARS OF IMPACT 🎉

For 75 years, the School District of Pickens County has been more than a collection of schools - it has been a place where students discover their passions, build lasting relationships, and create memories that shape their futures.

Throughout this anniversary year, we’ve celebrated the people, places, and programs that have made SDPC special by sharing stories from across our schools and community.
Now, those stories come together in one place.

📖 "75 Years of Impact: Past. Present. Potential." is a commemorative magazine that celebrates the legacy we’ve built and the Experience SDPC that continues to make our district unique.

Inside, you’ll find the moments, milestones, and voices that reflect who we are - and the commitment that continues to guide us as we engage students today and empower them for tomorrow.

👉 Explore the magazine: https://www.flipsnack.com/BFD76799E8C/75-years-of-impact-sdpc-2026

#75YearsOfImpact #ExperienceSDPC #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow

🚌 SDPC Families – Does your child need bus transportation this school year?

If your student will be riding the bus to or from school, please take a moment to complete the 📝 SDPC Transportation Form to ensure they are scheduled for 🚌 pickup and drop-off before August 1.

🔗 Find the form linked here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/transportation

🚌 SDPC Families – Does your child need bus transportation this school year?

If your student will be riding the bus to or from school, please take a moment to complete the 📝 SDPC Transportation Form to ensure they are scheduled for 🚌 pickup and drop-off before August 4th!

🔗 Find the form linked here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/transportation

🥞 FREE Meals for All Students This Year! 🍎

We’ve got great news for SDPC families!

Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), all students will receive FREE breakfast and lunch every day during the 2026-2027 school year - no forms, no fees, no hassle! 🙌

✅ No need to submit a meal application
✅ Every student is automatically eligible
✅ Healthy meals = focused minds + strong bodies

This program ensures that every child has access to nutritious meals to fuel learning and success. It’s one more way we’re supporting our students - together!

Questions? Visit www.sdpcnutrition.com or contact Jenaffer Stevenson, Director of Student Nutrition Services:
📧 jenafferstevenson@pickens.k12.sc.us | 📞 864-397-1166

#SDPCNutrition #EngagingToday #EmpoweringTomorrow

🍎 Still looking for the right Pre-K option for your 4-year-old this fall? We have a few openings remaining!

Give your child a great start with the SDPC Academy for Early Learners — a FREE 4K program designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students for kindergarten and beyond.

Through hands-on learning in immersive environments, students explore, create, problem-solve, and grow while developing important early literacy, social, and emotional skills.

🚌 FREE transportation is available to all Pre-K students!

Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child an engaging learning experience that sets the stage for future success!

🔗 Register for 4K today: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/four-year-old-kindergarten

📩 Questions? Contact the Academy for Early Learners at aelreg@pickens.k12.sc.us or 864-397-1000.

“Over the past few years, implementing Collaborative Teacher Teams has made a huge impact on our grade level and our school. Working together helps us understand our strengths and areas for growth so we can meet students right where they are. This collaboration has truly helped us support and promote meaningful student growth.” - Dr. Mary Ann Merritt, Teacher at Crosswell Elementary School
As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This reflection highlights the power of Collaborative Teacher Teams and reflects SDPC’s commitment to Academic Growth and Excellence. When educators work together, every student benefits from their collective knowledge, support, and dedication – building the skills, confidence, and foundation needed not only to graduate but to succeed beyond the classroom.

#75YearsOfImpact #AcademicGrowthAndExcellence

“One of my primary responsibilities is teaching arts infusions, specifically dance, through the lens of math and language arts. Often, I incorporate academic standards from core subjects into my lessons and blend them with dance to create new learning experiences. For example, I have taught students to design a marching band dance routine using the coordinate plane, reinforcing key math concepts. These integrated lessons help students strengthen essential academic skills while making learning accessible and engaging for all, regardless of their course level.” - Lauren Ann Brady, Dance Instructor at Central Academy of the Arts
As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This reflection is a powerful example of SDPC’s commitment to Partnerships for Student Success. Through intentional collaboration between the arts and core academic disciplines, students experience learning that is both innovative and meaningful. See how Mrs. Brady leverages dance and movement in learning here: https://youtu.be/hl1W2rKZfiA

#75YearsOfImpact #PartnershipsForStudentSuccess

“Since implementing the Leader in Me program, we’ve seen tremendous growth in our students—academically, personally, and as leaders. Watching them step outside their comfort zones and embrace new habits has been inspiring. The positive shift in our school culture has been truly rewarding to witness.” - Angela Nalley, School Counselor at Forest Acres Elementary

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This reflection highlights SDPC’s commitment to a People-Focused, Supportive Culture - one that nurtures the whole child and empowers students to grow as learners and leaders. By investing in our school counselors and programs like Leader in Me, SDPC creates environments where students feel supported, encouraged to take risks, and inspired to reach their full potential. Learn more about Leader in Me here: https://youtu.be/wNFB2zQ-FTc

#75YearsOfImpact #PeopleFocusedSupportiveCulture

“As a school nurse, part of my most important work is caring for students’ immediate health needs—and our partnership with Feed the Hungry plays a critical role in that care. They provide monthly snacks for our health room, and that support is truly essential for our students. Many visits for headaches or stomachaches can be resolved with a healthy snack, making this partnership invaluable. It’s incredible to see how something as simple as nourishment can directly support students’ well-being and their ability to succeed academically.” - Tara McCollum, School Nurse at Clemson Elementary School

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This work reflects SDPC’s commitment to Productive, Service-Oriented Operations, ensuring students’ needs are met efficiently so they can return to learning ready and supported. It also highlights the power of Partnerships for Student Success, demonstrating how collaboration with community organizations like Feed the Hungry directly strengthens student well-being and academic readiness.

#75YearsOfImpact #ProductiveServiceOrientedOperations

"My experience with the Amazing Shake has given me skills that I may not have learned without this opportunity. I am more confident in myself, and I feel as though I can articulate myself better in certain situations. My communication skills have also improved, and I am able to talk to people in different scenarios without feeling nervous. It's such an amazing experience to be a part of and I hope future students at Pickens Middle will take advantage of this incredible opportunity." - Jeniya Cook, 7th Grader at Pickens Middle School

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This reflection highlights SDPC’s dedication to cultivating a People-Focused, Supportive Culture. As educators, we understand that shaping well-rounded citizens goes far beyond academics. Providing students with opportunities to develop leadership and World Class Skills is essential for their success. Learn more about Pickens Middle School and the Amazing Shake here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiImZJq9xsY

#75YearsOfImpact #PeopleFocusedSupportiveCulture

“We place a strong emphasis on continuous training within the School Resource Officer unit. Our team receives some of the most extensive training in the department, second only to our specialized response units. Since stepping into this role, I’ve worked to expand our training efforts to ensure our officers are well-prepared for any situation they may encounter. Beyond safety drills, our officers complete tactical medical training and participate in a variety of professional development courses designed to help us better serve our students and school communities. Our main priority is to remain visible, approachable, and actively involved in our schools and community events to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.” - Sergeant Michael Nix, School Resource Officer

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This reflection underscores SDPC’s commitment to safe school environments and the role Partnerships for Student Success play in supporting our schools. School Resource Officers work closely with school administrators to maintain peace and good order on campus while enhancing safety at the building level. Beyond security, they serve as positive role models for students and provide law-related instruction to support faculty and staff. We are thankful for our strong partnerships with city and county police departments to provide School Resource Officers in our SDPC schools!

#75YearsOfImpact #PartnershipsForStudentSuccess

“SDPC is one of only three districts in South Carolina to offer in-house affordable childcare for employees. This allows us to lead the way in supporting our educators. When we care for our teachers’ families, we’re investing in the success of every student. Reliable, affordable childcare helps retain great teachers - and that consistency makes a real difference in our classrooms.” - Mary Jo Albertson, Director of SDPC Employee Childcare Program

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This innovative initiative is one of many that demonstrates SDPC’s commitment to a People-Focused, Supportive Culture. Find out more about how we support our educators with employee childcare here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmqs_XPiJzQ&t=2s

#75YearsOfImpact #PeopleFocusedSupportiveCulture

“Implementing Experiential Learning in our Academy for Early Learners this year has required an instructional mindset shift and extensive preparation. As a staff, we have bonded and grown tremendously compared to where we were this time last year. We have transformed our instructional approach by embracing Experiential Learning, and our students have gained so much from this new structure. Additionally, they now rotate to new themed learning environments every three weeks, allowing them to engage with different learning targets in dynamic and meaningful ways. This transition has been an incredible experience for both our staff and our students.” - Raquela Alexander, 4K Teacher at East End Elementary

As the School District of Pickens County celebrates 75 years of learning, growth, and community, it’s the people who have made the journey meaningful. From classrooms and concerts to bus routes and boardrooms, every chapter of SDPC’s story has been shaped by those who gave their time, their talent, and their heart. These short reflections - captured over the year and shared by the voices of SDPC - capture the spirit, pride, and personal moments that define who we are. Together, they form a living tribute to the legacy we share and the bright future still ahead.

This reflection is one of many that demonstrates SDPC’s commitment to Visionary Future-Focused Innovation. Find out more about SDPC’s Academy for Early Learners and its implementation of Experiential Learning in 4K classrooms here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYkVJ_jesnA&t=2s

#75YearsOfImpact #VisionaryFutureFocusedInnovation