February 20, 2026
On February 20, 2026, Dr. Danny Merck, Superintendent of the School District of Pickens County, and Tim Johnson, Director of Gateway to Innovation, presented the district’s bold vision for Gateway to Innovation at the South Carolina School Board Association Annual Conference.
The presentation showcased how the School District of Pickens County is reimagining Career and Technical Education to expand opportunity, strengthen workforce development, and serve students earlier and more intentionally.
Dr. Merck opened the session by highlighting the district's strengths and progress. He reviewed SDPC’s mission to engage each student today and empower them for tomorrow, and shared key data points demonstrating district success. The district serves 15,806 students across 26 schools and sites, employs more than 2,300 staff members, and spans 500 square miles.
Despite geographic challenges, SDPC has reached historic milestones, including a 90 percent graduation rate and 90 percent of students graduating college or career ready, the highest in district history. Additionally, no schools in the district have been rated below average for eight consecutive years. Dr. Merck emphasized that Gateway to Innovation builds upon this strong foundation while expanding access and preparing students for the evolving world of work.
Following the district overview, Johnson detailed the design and purpose of Gateway to Innovation. He explained that G2i reimagines Career and Technical Education to strengthen Pickens County’s workforce, expand equitable opportunity, and help break cycles of poverty by beginning career exploration early and continuing with purpose.
Johnson outlined the need for this shift. The world of work has changed. Traditional career exploration often begins too late. Access to opportunity is not always equal. Growing industries in Pickens County require a prepared, homegrown workforce.
Gateway to Innovation addresses these challenges by serving approximately 5,000 students in grades 3 through 7 and 800 students in grades 8 through 12 within the Pickens attendance area.
The presentation highlighted three pillars of G2i:
Early Career Exploration in Grades 3 through 7
All elementary students in the district will participate in targeted, project-based Career and Technical Education experiences. Students will visit G2i multiple times each year for hands-on learning connected directly to academic standards. These experiences are designed to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and build foundational skills.
Expanded Middle and High School Pathways
Middle school students will have access to coursework in Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Technology, Environmental and Natural Resource Management, and PLTW Biomedical Science. At the high school level, expanded programs will include Health Care Science, Game and Interactive Media Design, Electricity and Construction, and Engineering. The facility is designed for flexibility, allowing programs to adapt as workforce demands and student interests evolve.
Workforce Development and Employee Childcare
Gateway to Innovation will include on-site childcare for School District of Pickens County employees to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts. The campus will also host adult education and job training opportunities in partnership with Tri-County Technical College and local industry leaders to ensure alignment with regional workforce needs.
Johnson reviewed the project timeline, which began with visioning and community conversations in 2022. Construction and staffing continue through 2026, with a soft opening scheduled for January 2027 and full implementation in August 2027.
Once fully operational, Gateway to Innovation is projected to serve more than 5,800 students annually. Leaders anticipate earlier career exploration, expanded CTE pathways, stronger workforce alignment, improved employee recruitment and retention, and strengthened economic opportunity across Pickens County.
By sharing the Gateway to Innovation story at the South Carolina School Board Association Annual Conference, SDPC leaders highlighted how strategic vision, intentional planning, and community partnerships can transform Career and Technical Education to better serve students and strengthen communities across South Carolina.
