At approximately 1:26 PM today, Swain High School was placed on lockdown due to a report of an unidentified individual observed on school property. Law enforcement responded within minutes to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
As a precautionary measure, other district schools were placed on a perimeter lockdown. At all times during the incident, students remained safe and secure.There is no ongoing threat to the school community.
Buses will be released on a regular schedule.
We appreciate the cooperation of our law enforcement partners.
As a precautionary measure, other district schools were placed on a perimeter lockdown. At all times during the incident, students remained safe and secure.There is no ongoing threat to the school community.
Buses will be released on a regular schedule.
We appreciate the cooperation of our law enforcement partners.
As a precaution West Elementary, Middle School and Bright Adventures have been placed on perimeter lockdown at this time. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.
We have an emergency situation at the high school. Law enforcement has been notified. Parents are not to respond at this time. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
Due to law enforcement activity, buses will not run on Hyatt Creek Road for the morning of November 6, 2025.
Due to a current investigation and a large amount of law enforcement activity on Hyatt Creek Road, Swain East Elementary will be closed today, November 6, 2025. All instructional staff should work from home. All other staff will be contacted by their supervisor. We will release additional information as quickly as we are able.
Internet connectivity has been restored for Swain County East Elementary. This includes the restoration of school phone services. Thank you for your understanding.
East Swain Elementary is currently experiencing an unexplained broad communication failure. All phone calls are routed to the central office and will be shared with East Elementary as quickly as possible. Thank you for being understanding. Our technicians are working as soon as possible to diagnose the issue. We will let you know when the problem has been resolved.
Swain County East Elementary is currently experiencing an Internet connectivity outage which includes school phone services. Updates will be provided as soon as they are available.
Swain County Schools Comprehensive Plan for Student Achievement and Readiness can be accessed at 2025-26 SCS Executive Summary.
Please provide comments on the Swain County Schools Comprehensive Plan at https://forms.gle/CwWcqABbxnfMdwor5
🚨 URGENT Early Release for Bus 122 Riders on Friday, Oct. 24th 🚨
Due to continued driver shortages, students who ride Bus 122 will be released early tomorrow, Friday, October 24, 2025.
🚌 Early Departure Schedule
Bright Adventures (122 Riders Only): Departs at 1:30 PM. Travel to Lots A-tots and then East Elementary.
East Elementary (Bright Adv. & EE 122 Riders Only): Departs at approximately 2:00 PM.
📍 Areas Affected
This affects riders in the Adams Creek, Goose Creek, Old #4 Road, Kaleidoscope Daycare, and Mount Noble areas. Students should arrive home approximately 1 hour earlier than their normal time.
⚠️ Important Notes
Pre-K students who normally transfer to other buses will be held at East Elementary and will load at their regularly scheduled time when their connecting bus arrives.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve the driver shortage.
📞 Questions?
East Elementary: 488-0939
Bright Adventures: 488-1494
Transportation Director: 488-3129 ext 5130
Please share this important update!
Due to continued driver shortages, students who ride Bus 122 will be released early tomorrow, Friday, October 24, 2025.
🚌 Early Departure Schedule
Bright Adventures (122 Riders Only): Departs at 1:30 PM. Travel to Lots A-tots and then East Elementary.
East Elementary (Bright Adv. & EE 122 Riders Only): Departs at approximately 2:00 PM.
📍 Areas Affected
This affects riders in the Adams Creek, Goose Creek, Old #4 Road, Kaleidoscope Daycare, and Mount Noble areas. Students should arrive home approximately 1 hour earlier than their normal time.
⚠️ Important Notes
Pre-K students who normally transfer to other buses will be held at East Elementary and will load at their regularly scheduled time when their connecting bus arrives.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve the driver shortage.
📞 Questions?
East Elementary: 488-0939
Bright Adventures: 488-1494
Transportation Director: 488-3129 ext 5130
Please share this important update!
📣 Big news, Swain County Schools! State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green is coming to Swain County Schools on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6:00 p.m. for the statewide Achieving Educational Excellence - Best in Nation tour!
This special hourlong event celebrates the future of public education in North Carolina with inspiring remarks from Superintendent Green, performances by Swain County Schools students, and stories that highlight the incredible work happening across our schools.
Everyone’s invited including families, students, educators, and community partners to join together and help shape the next chapter of education in our state.
🕕 When: Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6:00p.m.
📍 Where: Swain Arts Center, Swain County High School
✅ RSVP: Free registration encouraged - go.ncdpi.gov/western
This special hourlong event celebrates the future of public education in North Carolina with inspiring remarks from Superintendent Green, performances by Swain County Schools students, and stories that highlight the incredible work happening across our schools.
Everyone’s invited including families, students, educators, and community partners to join together and help shape the next chapter of education in our state.
🕕 When: Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6:00p.m.
📍 Where: Swain Arts Center, Swain County High School
✅ RSVP: Free registration encouraged - go.ncdpi.gov/western
Monday, October 6th, two adults at East Elementary arrived on campus to pick up their students. These two individuals had an altercation with each other. As a result of this altercation, emergency medical services and law enforcement were notified.
At no time were any students in danger. The incident was handled by the Swain County Sheriff’s Office.
Bus and parent pick up will be on regular schedule.
At no time were any students in danger. The incident was handled by the Swain County Sheriff’s Office.
Bus and parent pick up will be on regular schedule.
Attention All East Elementary Parents with Bus Riders
For Thursday, October 2nd
Today, Swain East Elementary will be combing riders of Bus #110 and #108 into one bus route. Students will be riding Bus #110.
This could mean that your child will arrive slightly behind the usual schedule.
Please contact Swain East Elementary with any questions.
Swain County Schools announces Millie Hines as the new Chief Finance Officer. She brings a diverse and highly relevant professional history that will be a significant asset as she works to develop and oversee the district's finance department and support the district’s long-term strategic goals.
Millie recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting from Western Governors University (January 2025), further strengthening her financial leadership skills. This advanced financial education, paired with her existing Bachelor of Science from East Tennessee State University, has given her the skills to adapt to our evolving organizational needs and the ever-changing landscape of K-12 education.
In her previous roles as Payroll and Benefits Coordinator at Swain County Schools and Payroll Supervisor at Jackson County Public Schools, Millie successfully streamlined processes, improved accuracy, and implemented new systems to serve staff and students better. Swain County Schools is excited to welcome Millie into this leadership role and looks forward to the insight, dedication, and innovation she will bring to our school district.
Millie recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting from Western Governors University (January 2025), further strengthening her financial leadership skills. This advanced financial education, paired with her existing Bachelor of Science from East Tennessee State University, has given her the skills to adapt to our evolving organizational needs and the ever-changing landscape of K-12 education.
In her previous roles as Payroll and Benefits Coordinator at Swain County Schools and Payroll Supervisor at Jackson County Public Schools, Millie successfully streamlined processes, improved accuracy, and implemented new systems to serve staff and students better. Swain County Schools is excited to welcome Millie into this leadership role and looks forward to the insight, dedication, and innovation she will bring to our school district.
Future Teachers Take Over Swain County
Today, we were honored to welcome over 100 future educators from Western Carolina University to our campuses! These passionate students spent the morning learning more about the profession and experiencing firsthand what makes teaching such a powerful calling.
The day began at the Swain Arts Center, where they heard from three incredible speakers:
Mr. Mark Sale, Superintendent – reminded them that “what you're going to do as an educator is life-changing,” and emphasized that our schools need people with the power to make a difference.
Molly Lawless, Swain County Schools Teacher of the Year – inspired them with the message that “your content matters, but your relationships matter more.” She encouraged these future teachers to build strong connections with their students — because that’s when real learning happens.
Lydia Sale, Western North Carolina Regional Teacher of the Year – shared a powerful truth: “Two truths can be true — teaching is hard, but teaching is worth it.” She reminded them to hold onto their “why” and keep the dream alive.
After the morning session, these future educators traveled to our different campuses to visit classrooms, meet our students, and see learning in action. We are so thankful to WCU for bringing these bright future teachers to Swain County and to our speakers for pouring into them with wisdom and encouragement. The future of education is bright!
Today, we were honored to welcome over 100 future educators from Western Carolina University to our campuses! These passionate students spent the morning learning more about the profession and experiencing firsthand what makes teaching such a powerful calling.
The day began at the Swain Arts Center, where they heard from three incredible speakers:
Mr. Mark Sale, Superintendent – reminded them that “what you're going to do as an educator is life-changing,” and emphasized that our schools need people with the power to make a difference.
Molly Lawless, Swain County Schools Teacher of the Year – inspired them with the message that “your content matters, but your relationships matter more.” She encouraged these future teachers to build strong connections with their students — because that’s when real learning happens.
Lydia Sale, Western North Carolina Regional Teacher of the Year – shared a powerful truth: “Two truths can be true — teaching is hard, but teaching is worth it.” She reminded them to hold onto their “why” and keep the dream alive.
After the morning session, these future educators traveled to our different campuses to visit classrooms, meet our students, and see learning in action. We are so thankful to WCU for bringing these bright future teachers to Swain County and to our speakers for pouring into them with wisdom and encouragement. The future of education is bright!
This morning at 7:50 a.m., Swain County Schools received a rumor of a possible threat to the
high school. Law enforcement was immediately contacted and worked quickly to investigate. After a careful review, it was determined that the concern came from an unreliable source and was not a credible threat.
At no time did law enforcement feel that our campus was in danger. School is continuing on a regular schedule, and the safety of our students remains our top priority.
Wednesday Morning Bus Update
Students who usually ride Bus 112 will be picked up by Bus 110 this morning.
We apologize for any inconvenience!
📢 Attention Swain County Families!
Impact Aid forms are coming home TODAY with every student. These forms help bring crucial federal funding to Swain County Schools. 💰 Every form returned = more resources for our students! Please fill out and return ASAP. ✅
Impact Aid forms are coming home TODAY with every student. These forms help bring crucial federal funding to Swain County Schools. 💰 Every form returned = more resources for our students! Please fill out and return ASAP. ✅
Due to an unforeseen delay, buses 353 & 126 will be approximately 15 minutes behind schedule. All other buses are on time. Buses are running safely. Thank you for your patience. Please contact Swain West Elementary with any questions.
Are you ready to embark on a journey that makes a real difference?
Swain County Schools is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as bus drivers. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to be the first smiling face our students see in the morning and the last one they see on their way home.
We have full-time routes available that offer more than just a paycheck. They come with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits that support you and your family. This is your opportunity to give back to the community and help shape the future of our students.
If you're ready to start a rewarding new career, contact Mr. Dennis Jones at 828-488-3129 ext. 5130 or email him at djones@swainmail.org.
#OurBestandThenSome
Swain County Schools is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as bus drivers. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to be the first smiling face our students see in the morning and the last one they see on their way home.
We have full-time routes available that offer more than just a paycheck. They come with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits that support you and your family. This is your opportunity to give back to the community and help shape the future of our students.
If you're ready to start a rewarding new career, contact Mr. Dennis Jones at 828-488-3129 ext. 5130 or email him at djones@swainmail.org.
#OurBestandThenSome
