New principal to lead Pike Road Historic School

PIKE ROAD, AL (WSFA) - When students at Pike Road Historic School start classes this fall they are in for a lot of changes. They'll walk into a newly renovated school building and will be greeted by a new principal.

The Pike Road School System's board of education unanimously approved David Sikes as the new principal of the school. He will lead seventh through tenth graders.

"We just want to give the students and community of Pike Road the best school possible. Give them the best opportunities to be very successful. Take what the community already has and enhance upon that," Sikes.

Sikes has over 16 years of experience in education. He was the principal at Lee High School in Montgomery from 2004 until 2010. During his time there, he raised test scores for the first time in almost a decade and worked to increase the number of students in AP courses. Sikes says he plans to bring that experience and high expectations to the school system,

"I've worked at a magnet school, so I know the type of expectations they have and I think being familiar with those things it allows me to implement those better than someone who has never done it," said Sikes.

In the coming days, he plans to meet with the superintendent of Pike Road school system, Dr. Ledbetter, and his school staff to come up with a vision and goals for the school year.

"I'd like to talk to Dr. Ledbetter. He has a vision for the system and school. He and I have talked briefly. It's been a whirlwind since yesterday. Before I say this is my vision, I would like to sit down and talk to my staff and talk to him and get a whole group vision. That way we can all work together towards the same goal," said Sikes.

As for what the community can expect in the new leader, Sikes says his leadership style is to serve.

"I am servant leader. I like to take care of my people and students. I feel like my job is to support them and support the teachers so they can support the students. I want to make sure I am communicating with the parents and community about what's going on, what our plans are and what we can do to get there," said Sikes.

Even before all the meetings with school officials to get ready for the upcoming school year, Sikes says he wants parents to know he wants the best for his students.

"I am here to help. My job is to make sure they are successful and to make sure they have every opportunity to be successful. If they have a problem they can come see me. I have an open-door policy. I want to build relationships with them so they feel comfortable coming to school. It's not always the best place for a child. Some children don't enjoy it. I want them to enjoy their time at the school. I feel very much adamant about. Everything will not be fun,
but making sure they have an opportunity to grow, learn, and be successful," said Sikes.

Sikes said he hopes to have a meet and greet session with parents. At this time, no date and location has been set.

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