Source: Pike Road News

Students across the Pike Road School District returned to classrooms this week, beginning what is expected to be one of the most memorable years in the young school system’s history. The 2026-27 school year brings new construction, expanded facilities, a new superintendent and a major transition that will reshape the Pike Road school campus structure by January.

At Pike Road Elementary School, construction continues on a new access road leading to the campus. The much-needed project is expected to help streamline traffic flow to and from the elementary school for families and staff. At Pike Road Intermediate School, students returned to a completed lunchroom and classroom addition designed to accommodate continued growth at the school. Construction is also continuing on a new gymnasium, which is expected to be completed during the school year. Perhaps the biggest change is coming to Pike Road High School and Pike Road Junior High School. Beginning in January 2027, high school students who started the school year at the Georgia Washington campus are scheduled to move into the new Pike Road High School currently under construction on Wallahatchie Road.

The move will allow the Georgia Washington campus to fully transition into Pike Road Junior High School, serving students in grades 6-8. The new high school will also have special significance for the current senior class. The 2027 Pike Road High School senior class, consisting of a little more than 200 students, will become the first graduating class to graduate from the new high school.

The school year began with Meet the Teacher events throughout the system, giving students and families an opportunity to visit campuses, meet educators and prepare for the year ahead. To celebrate the start of this historic year, the senior class gathered at Pike Road Town Hall for the first-ever senior breakfast on the morning of the first day of school. The breakfast gave the senior class an opportunity to come together as they began their final first day as students in Pike Road Schools — and as the first class preparing to graduate from the system’s new high school. The new school year also marks the beginning of a new era in the district’s leadership.

Dr. Jason Goodwin officially became superintendent of Pike Road Schools on July 1, succeeding Dr. Keith Lankford, who led the school system for the previous four years. Goodwin said the school system has experienced a strong start to the new year, with excitement evident throughout its campuses. “We have had a tremendous start to the new school year at Pike Road Schools, and there is a great sense of excitement and positive energy across our campuses,” said Goodwin.

Goodwin said one of the most encouraging parts of the opening has been seeing students excited to return to school. He shared, “When students are genuinely happy to come back to school after summer break to reconnect with their teachers and friends and get back to learning, then you know you are doing it right.” “He credited teachers, staff, students, families and the community for creating a culture that makes students excited to return.” “I believe that excitement speaks volumes about the culture our teachers, staff, students, families, and community have created together,” said Goodwin. “I am especially grateful for the tremendous amount of support we received as we welcomed students back,” he continued. “Our school board members, parents, and community members were present throughout our schools, helping us start the year on such a positive note.” “That level of involvement and support is one of the things that makes Pike Road such a special place,” he shared. “Our schools are strongest when our entire community takes an active role in supporting our students and educators, and we certainly felt that support as we began this school year.”

Goodwin specifically thanked the Town of Pike Road for hosting the senior breakfast, calling it a special way to recognize the senior class as they began their final first day in Pike Road Schools. “It was a great way to celebrate our senior class as they began their final first day in Pike Road Schools and helped make an already memorable morning even more special.” He also praised the district’s teachers and staff for the preparation that went into opening the school year. “Our teachers and staff put a tremendous amount of work into preparing for the start of the year, and it has been rewarding to see that preparation reflected in such a smooth and positive opening.” d“Our students came ready to learn, our educators were excited to welcome them, and our families and community continue to be outstanding partners,” said Goodwin.

As students settle into their new routines, work will continue behind the scenes at campuses throughout the system.