Pike County Schools Excellence in Education

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In the Pike County Schools Excellence in Education Podcast, host Jeff sits down with school leaders from across Pike County to highlight the incredible work happening in our classrooms and communities. Each episode features insightful conversations with principals from local schools and Superintendent Freddie Bowling, diving into the programs, achievements, and people that make Pike County Schools a place of pride and progress. Tune in to hear how our educators are shaping the future—one student at a time.

Episodes

  1. May 28

    Feds Creek Elementary Spotlight | Principal Melinda Potter Joins the Excellence in Education Podcast

    First-year Feds Creek Elementary Principal Melinda Potter joins Jeff on this week’s episode of the Excellence in Education Podcast to talk all things Feds Creek. Take a deep dive into Potter’s background, her journey into education and leadership, and how she became principal at Feds Creek Elementary. The conversation also highlights the many positive things happening throughout the school, including student success, school culture and the goals shaping the future of the Wildcats. This episode offers a closer look at new leadership and the continued commitment to excellence at Feds Creek Elementary.

    32 min

  2. May 14

    Pike Central Band Spotlight | Jason Johnson Talks Music, Ensembles and Tradition of Excellence

    Pike Central Bands Director Jason Johnson joins Jeff on this week’s episode of the Excellence in Education Podcast to talk about the many great things happening within the Pike Central band program. From the wide variety of classes and ensembles available to students to the accomplishments and accolades the program has earned over the years, Johnson gives an inside look at what makes Pike Central’s music program stand out. The conversation also explores student opportunities, the growth of the program and the dedication it takes to maintain a tradition of excellence. Whether you are a student, parent, music supporter or part of the Pike County Schools community, this episode offers a closer look at one of the district’s successful and long-standing programs.

    32 min

  3. May 4

    Phelps Elementary Spotlight | Principal Elizabeth Bentley on the Excellence in Education Podcast

    First-year Phelps Elementary Principal Elizabeth Bentley joins Jeff on this week’s episode of the Excellence in Education Podcast to talk about her journey into education and leadership, along with the great things happening at Phelps Elementary. Bentley discusses how she got started in education, her transition into the principal role, and the goals she has for students, staff and the school community. The conversation also highlights student achievement, school culture and the work being done every day to help Phelps students succeed. This episode offers a strong look at new leadership and the positive momentum building at Phelps Elementary.

    32 min

  4. Mar 25

    Millard School Spotlight | Principal Jake Robinson on the Excellence in Education Podcast

    Millard School Principal Jake Robinson joins Jeff on this week’s episode of the Excellence in Education Podcast for a conversation centered on everything happening at Millard. Robinson breaks down academic priorities, student achievement, school culture and the day-to-day work that goes into supporting students and staff. The discussion also highlights key programs, community involvement and the vision guiding Millard moving forward. This episode offers a clear, honest look at how Millard School is building success in the classroom and beyond.

    22 min

  5. Feb 23

    Elkhorn Elementary Spotlight | Principal Amber Cantrell on the Excellence in Education Podcast

    Elkhorn Elementary Principal Amber Cantrell joins Jeff on this week’s episode of the Excellence in Education Podcast for a focused conversation on student success, school culture, and leadership at Elkhorn Elementary. Cantrell discusses academic priorities, support systems for students, staff collaboration, and the initiatives helping Elkhorn Elementary continue to grow. The episode highlights the work happening inside the classrooms, the goals for the year ahead, and the commitment to creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning. If you want a clear look at what’s driving progress at Elkhorn Elementary and across Pike County Schools, this episode delivers.

    26 min

  6. Feb 5

    Belfry Elementary Spotlight | Principal Katie Schram Joins the Excellence in Education Podcast

    Belfry Elementary Principal Katie Schram joins Jeff on this week’s episode of the Excellence in Education Podcast for a conversation focused on leadership, learning, and the future of Belfry Elementary. As a first-year principal, Schram shares her early experiences, priorities for the school, and the work being done to support students, teachers, and families. The discussion covers classroom culture, student achievement, staff collaboration, and the goals shaping the year ahead. This episode offers a clear look at how Belfry Elementary is building strong foundations for success under new leadership.

    23 min

  7. Jan 19

    Dorton Wildcats Spotlight | Principal Thomas Pinion on the Excellence in Education Podcast

    Dorton School Principal Thomas Pinion joins Jeff on this week’s episode of the Excellence in Education Podcast to talk all things Wildcats. From academics and student growth to school culture, leadership, and community involvement, Pinion breaks down what’s happening inside Dorton School and the vision driving the Wildcats forward. They discuss current initiatives, student achievements, and the commitment to creating a positive learning environment for every student. This episode offers a clear look at how Dorton School continues to build strong foundations for success both in and out of the classroom. A must-listen for parents, students, staff, and anyone proud to support the Dorton Wildcats and Pike County Schools.

    24 min

  8. Jan 12

    Belfry High School Spotlight | Principal Boo Hager on the Excellence in Education

    Belfry High School Principal Boo Hager joins Jeff on this week’s episode of the Excellence in Education Podcast for a focused conversation on everything happening at Belfry High School. From academics and student achievement to athletics, school culture, and community pride, Hager breaks down what makes Belfry one of the most respected schools in the region. They discuss current initiatives, goals for the future, and how the staff and students continue to set high standards both in and out of the classroom. This episode offers a clear look at leadership, accountability, and the commitment to excellence that defines Belfry High School. Whether you are a parent, student, alumnus, or community supporter, this is a must-listen conversation about Bulldog pride and educational success in Pike County.

    27 min

  9. 12/05/2025

    Shelby Valley Spotlight | Principal Greg Napier Joins the Excellence in Education Podcast

    Shelby Valley Principal Greg Napier joins host Jeff for an in-depth conversation about everything happening at Shelby Valley. From academic initiatives and student support efforts to athletics, culture, and community partnerships, Napier offers a clear look at what’s driving success at the school. This episode highlights the programs shaping student achievement, the vision for the year ahead, and the work happening behind the scenes to keep Shelby Valley moving forward. A strong, informative discussion for parents, students, staff, and anyone invested in Pike County Schools.

    23 min

  10. 11/19/2025

    Pike County Schools Results Explained | Superintendent Freddie Bowling Breaks Down the Data

    Pike County Schools Superintendent Freddie Bowling joins host Russ Cassady for a special episode focused entirely on the newly released results. Bowling walks through the data, explains what it means for students and staff, and outlines the district’s next steps. This episode delivers a clear, candid look at performance indicators, growth areas, and district-wide accomplishments. If you want an informed, straightforward understanding of how Pike County Schools measured up this year, this conversation breaks it all down.

    15 min

  11. 11/07/2025

    Phelps High Principal Mike Hamilton on School Pride and Excellence | Pike County Schools Podcast

    In this episode of The Pike County Schools Excellence in Education Podcast, Jeff sits down with Phelps High School Principal Mike Hamilton to talk about the exciting things happening at Phelps. From student achievements and new initiatives to the strong sense of community and pride that defines the Hornet spirit, Mike shares what it truly means to be a Phelps Hornet and how the school continues to push for excellence in education.

    29 min

  12. 10/30/2025

    East Ridge Principal Eric Bartley | Excellence in Education Podcast

    In the very first episode of the Pike County Schools Excellence in Education Podcast, Jeff sits down with East Ridge High School Principal Eric Bartley to talk about the exciting things happening at East Ridge. From student success stories and academic achievements to new programs and community involvement, Eric shares his perspective on what makes East Ridge a standout school in Pike County. Tune in to learn more about the vision, leadership, and dedication driving excellence in education across the district.

    22 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

In the Pike County Schools Excellence in Education Podcast, host Jeff sits down with school leaders from across Pike County to highlight the incredible work happening in our classrooms and communities. Each episode features insightful conversations with principals from local schools and Superintendent Freddie Bowling, diving into the programs, achievements, and people that make Pike County Schools a place of pride and progress. Tune in to hear how our educators are shaping the future—one student at a time.

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