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.