Swift Creek High School highlights addiction counseling, mental‑health supports and record graduation count

David Kazier, principal of Swift Creek High School, told the Lincoln County School District No. 2 board that the alternative‑education campus has added counseling and mental‑health supports and is seeing a measurable number of students engaged in addiction cessation work.

“Kazier said last year a district survey found nearly half of Swift Creek students reported addiction or substance use of some form,” Kazier said. “We approached Superintendent Erickson and leadership and they offered to help us out a little bit by giving us a counselor. So this is Robbie Everett…we currently have over 40 students that are working day to day in stopping in some form or fashion an addiction that they have.”

Kazier told trustees the counselor has specific experience in cessation and has been working on one‑on‑one support and group work. He described the school as an environment that serves students who need a different, hands‑on approach and noted that staff are emphasizing standards while using smaller class sizes and applied learning.

Kazier also highlighted other supports, including mental‑health assistance for students struggling with suicidal ideation or self‑esteem issues, and recognized staff who mentor students and run special programs. Swift Creek is expected to have nearly 40 graduates this year, which Kazier said is a record for the campus.

Trustees thanked Kazier and staff for the work. The board did not take specific action on the Swift Creek report; the presentation was an informational spotlight on school programs and staffing.

This article quotes the principal’s presentation and summarizes the supports described for students at the alternative high school.