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Our Story
Our Story
Founded in 1854, Pike County Schools has served generations of students across Banks, Brundidge, and Goshen with a steadfast commitment to excellence in education. But our story is not just about longevity—it’s about transformation.
In the early 2000s, Pike County Schools faced significant challenges: high poverty rates, aging facilities, limited instructional resources, and a culture of low expectations. In 2003, when Mark Bazzell was appointed Superintendent, student performance was alarmingly low—4th grade reading and math scores hovered in the 60% range, 6th grade math was at 39%, and 8th grade reading was just 34%.
Dr. Bazzell led a bold and uncompromising turnaround. He built leadership capacity, demanded instructional excellence, and refused to accept excuses about what Pike County students could achieve. By 2010–2011, scores had surged into the 80–90% range, reflecting a district-wide culture shift toward high expectations and accountability.
Our Purpose and Principles
At the heart of our organization lies a commitment to purpose, guided by a clear mission, an inspiring vision for the future, and core values that define who we are and drive everything we do.
In 2003, Pike County Schools made a promise to its families and community:
- Clean & Safe Schools
- Friendly & Courteous Service
- Academic Accountability
- Fiscal Responsibility
This promise became the foundation for every decision, every classroom strategy, and every community partnership.
These promises became our Guiding Principles:
- Maintain high expectations and performance standards for all students and adults.
- Ensure academic accountability, fiscal responsibility, and clear communication.
- Collaborate with families, agencies, and industry partners.
- Engage in innovative instruction and technology integration.
Deliver friendly and courteous service in safe, clean, well-maintained schools
The mission of Pike County Schools is to provide excellence in education, producing graduates ready for college, careers, and lifelong success.
The purpose of Pike County Schools is to offer an array of best practice educational services and opportunities for students to insure their preparedness for a college or career upon graduation from high school.
In 2011, our vision expanded:
“Seeking Points Beyond Through Research, Innovation, and Technology.”
This vision drives our strategic instructional model, which includes:
- High Expectations
- Differentiation
- Active Engagement
- Collaborative Learning
- Critical Thinking
- Data-Driven Instruction
We believe all students can succeed regardless of background. Our classrooms are built on:
- Strategic engagement
- Best practices grounded in research
- Data-informed instruction
- Celebrating excellence and confronting underperformance
- Evidence-based professional learning
-
In 2003, Pike County Schools made a promise to its families and community:
- Clean & Safe Schools
- Friendly & Courteous Service
- Academic Accountability
- Fiscal Responsibility
This promise became the foundation for every decision, every classroom strategy, and every community partnership.
These promises became our Guiding Principles:
- Maintain high expectations and performance standards for all students and adults.
- Ensure academic accountability, fiscal responsibility, and clear communication.
- Collaborate with families, agencies, and industry partners.
- Engage in innovative instruction and technology integration.
Deliver friendly and courteous service in safe, clean, well-maintained schools
-
The mission of Pike County Schools is to provide excellence in education, producing graduates ready for college, careers, and lifelong success.
-
The purpose of Pike County Schools is to offer an array of best practice educational services and opportunities for students to insure their preparedness for a college or career upon graduation from high school.
In 2011, our vision expanded:
“Seeking Points Beyond Through Research, Innovation, and Technology.”
This vision drives our strategic instructional model, which includes:- High Expectations
- Differentiation
- Active Engagement
- Collaborative Learning
- Critical Thinking
- Data-Driven Instruction
-
We believe all students can succeed regardless of background. Our classrooms are built on:
- Strategic engagement
- Best practices grounded in research
- Data-informed instruction
- Celebrating excellence and confronting underperformance
- Evidence-based professional learning
Looking Ahead
Successful schools have a clear sense of direction—one that is shared and articulated by every member of the school community. Pike County Schools continues to evolve, innovate, and inspire, always seeking points beyond.
We go beyond test scores. Student achievement is measured by:
- Growth in literacy, math, and science
- College and career readiness
- Dual enrollment and associate degree attainment
- Work-ready certifications and paid internships
- STEM experiences and industry credentials
- Responsiveness to regional workforce needs
INNOVATION IN ACTION
Pike County Schools leads with programs like:
- Dual Enrollment (Associate Degrees & Certificates)
- Academy Programs
- School-to-Work Progression
- Virtual High School
- ASCEND
- Homeschool Consortium
- CA3L Facility
- Cognia STEM Accreditation