Northwest Regional Educational Service Alliance Names Dr. Mike Swan 2027
Regional Superintendent of the Year
The Northwest Regional Educational Service Alliance (NWRESA) has named
Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan the 2027 Regional
Superintendent of the Year, recognizing his innovative leadership, commitment to
student success and dedication to strengthening public education across western
North Carolina.
Now in his fifth year leading Burke County Public Schools, Dr. Swan has focused
on building a student-centered culture rooted in strong relationships, academic
opportunity, workforce readiness and whole-child well-being. Under his
leadership, the district has advanced initiatives aimed at increasing academic rigor
following the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing instructional technology with
traditional teaching methods and strategically planning for long-term financial
sustainability.
A 28-year veteran of public education, Dr. Swan’s educational journey began in
Burke County classrooms after being recruited from West Virginia University in
1998 to teach fifth grade at Chesterfield Elementary School. He later served as a
teacher, assistant principal, principal, Director of Student Services, assistant
superintendent and interim superintendent before being named superintendent on
July 1, 2021.
Known for his collaborative leadership style, Dr. Swan has prioritized leadership
development throughout the district by establishing a succession model that
supports educators at every stage of their careers, including teacher leaders,
aspiring administrators, assistant principals and new principals. The structure has
drawn attention from districts across North Carolina as a model for cultivating
future educational leaders.
Under Dr. Swan’s leadership, Burke County Public Schools has earned recognition
at the state, national and international levels for its balanced instruction initiative
designed to reduce excessive student screen time while maintaining strong
instructional practices. The district’s Career and Technical Education programs
also routinely rank among the top-performing programs in North Carolina for
educational attainment and workforce preparation.
Dr. Swan has also strengthened the district’s focus on student services and
graduation outcomes, helping improve graduation rates since the pandemic.
Through partnerships with workforce leaders, higher education institutions and
industry partners, the district continues to expand opportunities that prepare
students for relevant, high-demand careers. Recent collaborations include a
partnership with High Country STEM to further enhance career-connected learning
experiences for students.
In addition to his work within the district, Dr. Swan is recognized throughout
Burke County for his commitment to community partnerships and educational
attainment initiatives that help students successfully transition into the workforce
or postsecondary education after graduation. He regularly collaborates with local
business leaders, workforce development agencies and Western Piedmont
Community College to strengthen opportunities for students and families.
Dr. Swan also emphasizes school safety, educator voice and community
engagement. He spearheads a teacher advisory council and convenes a school
safety council that includes multiple local law enforcement agencies working
together to strengthen communication and proactive safety planning across the
district.
At the heart of Dr. Swan’s leadership philosophy is the district’s “All-in Promise,”
which places people and relationships first by cultivating meaningful connections
among students, staff, families and the community while supporting academic
excellence and overall well-being.
“Dr. Swan exemplifies the kind of leadership that strengthens public education,”
said Terry Worrell, executive director of NWRESA. “His vision, collaborative
spirit and unwavering focus on students have made a meaningful impact not only
in Burke County, but throughout the region.”
Dr. Swan said he is humbled by the recognition and proud of the collective work
happening across the region. This nomination also qualifies Dr. Swan for
consideration for the statewide award that is annually co-sponsored by the N.C.
Association of School Administrators (NCASA) and the N.C. School
Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA). The state winner will go on to compete
for the national award to be offered by the American Association of School
Administrators (AASA).
“It is truly an honor to serve as the NWRESA Superintendent of the Year,” Dr.
Swan said. “I am passionate about public education and pulling out the potential in
every student. I am proud of our accomplishments at Burke County Public Schools
and the NWRESA as a whole. We have valuable partnerships with education
leaders, collaborative committees, training and advancement opportunities
throughout our region, and those partnerships strengthen public education and
benefit the heart of what we do for our students.”
Before beginning his career in education, Dr. Swan worked on barges along the
Ohio River in West Virginia after graduating high school. He has often described
the experience as life-changing and credits that season of life with helping shape
his work ethic and perspective on serving others through education.
Dr. Swan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from West
Virginia University, a Master of Arts degree in School Administration from
Gardner-Webb University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from
Western Carolina University in 2020.
His community involvement includes current and past service on the boards of the
Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee, YMCA of Catawba Valley, America 250
Committee, United Way, Burke Development Inc. and the Industrial Commons
Steering Committee. He is also a member of Rotary International through the
Morganton Rotary Club.
Dr. Swan and his wife, Sara, an instructional coach with Burke County Public
Schools, have two children.