Superintendent Dr. Swan reported academic gains from the previous school year, staff recognitions and safety updates during the board meeting and asked trustees to note ongoing improvement priorities.

Dr. Swan said Burke County Public Schools showed growth in several areas: increased proficiency in nine schools from 2024 to 2025, exceeded growth in Math I and in fifth- and eighth-grade science and math, and a rise in the district graduation rate from 88.2% in 2022–23 to 89.2% in 2024–25, with four of five high schools increasing cohort rates. He identified continuing improvement needs in reading (grades 4, 5, 7 and 8), English II, and math for grades 4–7. Dr. Swan and instructional staff said they are meeting with principals, using small-group instruction, targeted lesson‑plan reviews and classroom visits to support schools flagged for improvement.

Dr. Swan recognized school staff who followed safety protocols at Salem Elementary by securing an individual in a vestibule until law enforcement arrived; he said the board will formally recognize those staff members at the Oct. 13 meeting. He also announced beginning‑teacher and principal recognitions: beginning teacher of the year Mallory Hartman and Principal of the Year Caroline Johnson, who will represent Burke County in the state competition.

On college-readiness programming, Dr. Swan said the district received a renewal notice for the federal GEAR UP program that will continue work with current sixth graders through graduation and provide camps and summer opportunities.

On campus safety, staff told the board the district is currently short one school resource officer (SRO) and is coordinating with Sheriff Heintzeman to fill that vacancy; the sheriff’s office had three positions funded by a grant that will add coverage. Dr. Swan said the district continues to invest in cameras, single-point entry controls (sally ports) and fencing as part of safety efforts.

Dr. Swan also updated trustees on central-office renovations and a community meeting scheduled about New Eastern Elementary plans for Oct. 14 at Eichard Elementary. He invited the board to district events including a CTE Maker competition on Oct. 15 and a visit and listening session by State Superintendent Moe Green on Oct. 22.