Pickens County Virtual Academy

09/03/2026

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

09/02/2026

Mark your calendars, SDPC! There will be no school for students on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend!

📅 View the SDPC District Calendar for additional important dates throughout the school year:
https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/spdc-calendars

09/02/2026

Congratulations to PCVA’s Nola Smagala for winning her place on the All County Girls Golf Team following the Pickens County Girls Golf Tournament at the Pickens Golf Club!

Great effort and achievement, Nola!

08/27/2026

What a great night we had celebrating our SDPC Teachers of the Year and Support Employees of the Year. PCVA is extra proud of Mrs. Capelle! She embodies all things great teachers do!

08/22/2026

Congratulations to one of our high school students and 360 Academy alumni Abbigail Edwards for winning the high school division of the library contest!

08/12/2026

Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation
SDPC prohibits harassment, intimidation, and bullying and is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for every student. Students or families who have concerns about possible bullying, harassment or intimidation are encouraged to report those concerns to their school.

A district complaint form is also available for students and families who wish to submit a formal report. Complaints are investigated in accordance with district procedures.

Download the Bullying Complaint Form: https://5il.co/pcdp

08/11/2026

Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
SDPC uses the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) to provide students, employees, families, and first responders with clear, consistent language during an emergency.

The SRP provides consistent, clear, and shared language and actions among all students, staff, and first responders that can be applied in any emergency. The SRP is used by schools and institutions across the nation, giving students, staff, parents, communities, and first responders a common language and course of action.

Through this approach, members of the campus community will utilize the five SRP actions to define their decisions when responding to an emergency situation. These actions are:

HOLD - "In Your Room or Area. Clear the Halls"

SECURE - "Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors"

LOCKDOWN - "Locks, Lights, Out of Sight"

EVACUATE - To the Announced Location

SHELTER - Stating Hazard and Safety Strategy

Understanding these terms can help families know what is happening and how our schools are responding during an emergency.

Learn more about SRP: www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/standard-response-protocol

08/11/2026