The Alabama Independent School Association designated Pike Liberal Arts School as a 2015-2016 Blue Ribbon School last week, signifying the school’s ongoing process of improvement.

The award specifically recognizes the school’s excellence in instruction, staff development, academic performance, student life, leadership and community interaction.

Of over 60 independent schools that are members of the AISA, 27 received the designation of being a Blue Ribbon School.

PLAS Headmaster Becky Baggett explained the point system that the AISA uses to determine whether a school is a Blue Ribbon School or not.

“In order to be a Blue Ribbon School, all test scores must be in the 70th percentile,” Baggett said. “There are also a number of events such as a spelling bee, an oratorical and science fair that all contribute points toward the award. It even includes ACT scores.”

The point of the Blue Ribbon award system, Baggett said, is to make sure that the schools teach what they’re supposed to teach. 3A schools like PLAS must reach 1,050 points total to receive the Blue Ribbon designation.

It could be expected that PLAS would receive the Blue Ribbon designation, as the school has held it ever since the inaugural awards were given out over 20 years ago.

It was also announced last week that Baggett will be the secretary on the AISA Board of Directors and the vice president of the AISA Headmasters’ Association.

The AISA Board of Directors must approve any changes in AISA policies that would affect over 60 schools in the state, so it’s a position of major responsibility.

The AISA Headmasters Association meets quarterly to encourage each other and to collaborate on what is and isn’t working at their respective schools.

“Our job is to ensure that our schools are giving an excellent education to their students, as well as athletics so that we can have a good, well-rounded school system,” Baggett said.