Christian schools call again

David Piccolo has come full circle.

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Jim Blaylock/Staff

David Piccolo, Augusta Christian Schools' new head of schools, greets students during a class change. He was superintendent of a district with 24 schools when he left to lead an eastern Florida Christian school with 480 students.

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Thirty years ago, he accepted his first teaching job at a small Christian school in Florida. After decades in the public school system, including a superintendency overseeing more than 19,000 students, Piccolo has returned to Christian education, this time as the head of schools at Augusta Christian Schools.

In July, he replaced interim headmaster John Bartlett, who remains on board as special assistant to the head of school.

"This was a monumental move for us. We've been in Florida a long time," Piccolo said. "I'm thankful for the road that led us here. Looking back, I can see God's fingerprints all over it."

Piccolo, 52, was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Fla. He played sports, and, after graduating from high school in 1976, turned down a basketball scholarship to attend what is now Daytona State.

He studied elementary education at the University of Central Florida and graduated in 1980.

With his new degree in hand, he saw an advertisement for a coach and teacher at a Christian school the Friday before the school year began. He applied, was hired that day and started his first job in education the next Monday.

He has worked 30 years as an educator. But after that first three-year stint with Christian schools, Piccolo left to teach in public school, where he remained from 1984 to 2007. He served as a teacher, coach, dean of students, principal of a middle school, then a high school, and finally as superintendent.

"I was in my 27th year in education. My doctorate was already finished," he said.

"I thought I was set, but God had more for me."

The pastor of his church, Troy Dobbs, asked if he would consider leading the Christian school of First Baptist Church of Merritt Island, in eastern Florida.

"I struggled with my ego. I wrestled with it, but I could never tell Troy no," Piccolo said. "I had to get past that point that says I'm worth more.

"I thought I'd be in public schools for four of five more years and retire. I would have been OK."

In time, he accepted the position. In 2007, Piccolo left his job as superintendent of the Area 2 Brevard County school system, where he was responsible for 24 schools, to lead 480 students at Merritt Island.

"I loved my time there and wasn't looking to leave, but a twinge was put in my heart that led me to Augusta," Piccolo said. "The core values of the school caught me. It's a family-focused school. It's everything we were looking for."

Piccolo and his wife, Sherry, have three daughters. The oldest, Jackie, lives in Charleston, S.C. Olivia and Camille attend Augusta Christian, he said.

The family lives in Evans and attends Warren Baptist Church, which is pastored by the Rev. David McKinley, who pastored Piccolo's church, First Baptist Church of Merritt Island, in the 1990s.

"David is a solid leader with a love for the Word of God and a commitment to strengthen families," McKinley said.

Piccolo's experience in both public and private schools will serve this area well, McKinley added.

"David is a man whose strong mind and good heart make him a great fit for Augusta Christian School," he said.

"I anticipate a great future for the school under his leadership."

Piccolo, who was raised Catholic, said he gave his heart to the Lord at an altar call at summer camp when he was 13.

"My faith, it's allowed me to carry through some times of adversity and trial and press on because of his grace and mercy," Piccolo said.

He says he's excited to follow God's lead at Augusta Christian.

"God always puts things on your heart," he said.

"There are so many good things we're doing already. If God's will is for the school to have more students, then that would be a great thing to serve that many more.

"But we don't know yet."

Already, Piccolo has implemented a discipleship program for student leaders and is expanding Bible studies for teachers.

Fridays with Dr. P are open- gym sessions that give students the opportunity to shoot hoops with Piccolo.

"I'm trying to be very visible. It's my nature, but God is the one in charge here, " Piccolo said.

"He has a plan. As Christians we never want to turn a deaf ear to where God is calling us.

"We're seeking his direction still. We followed it all the way to Augusta, and we're going to keep on while we're here."