Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) marked the official opening of Swift Creek Elementary School on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The new facility spans 115,877 square feet and was unveiled during a ceremony that included a ribbon-cutting and library dedication. The event drew students, staff, families, community members, government officials, and local dignitaries.
About 600 guests attended the event in the school’s cafetorium. Three students from Swift Creek Elementary—Logan Britt, Jonah Hopkins, and Emmelene Hopkins—led the Pledge of Allegiance before speakers addressed the audience.
Superintendent Dr. David Pearce welcomed attendees with remarks highlighting the significance of the new school. “Today, we are celebrating so much more than the bricks and mortar that make up this building. We are celebrating the opening of doors and opportunities for our children, our staff, and the entire community of Johnston County,” he said. “Swift Creek Elementary is a promise of opportunity, of excellence, and a place where children can dream, achieve, and succeed.”
Dr. Pearce also acknowledged those who contributed to making Swift Creek Elementary possible. He thanked Johnston County voters for approving the 2022 bond referendum as well as county commissioners, Friends of Johnston County Public Schools Bond Committee members, JCPS Facilities and Construction team members, the Wellons family, and others involved in every phase of construction.
Principal Tamara Poland expressed her enthusiasm for what lies ahead at Swift Creek Elementary: “We want to have guaranteed excellent and exceptional learning for all. That includes our staff and our students. We want to be a place where every child comes and achieves even more than they thought possible, and we want the same dream for our staff,” Poland said.
Additional remarks were made by Lyn Andrews (Chair of Johnston County Board of Education), Butch Lawter (Chair of Johnston County Board of Commissioners), Landis Bullock (Friends of Johnston County Public Schools Chair), with Raymon Wycof (Pastor at Elizabeth United Methodist Church) offering a prayer. During the ceremony there was also a dedication for the media center in honor of John Donald Hobart from Smithfield; his commemorative plaque now hangs in that space.
Following formalities, staff led tours through classrooms equipped with natural light and modern technology so visitors could view firsthand what Swift Creek Elementary offers.
The new school is expected to relieve overcrowding at several area elementary schools including Polenta, Cleveland, West View, McGee’s Crossroads, Dixon Road, Four Oaks, and Wilson’s Mills elementary schools by accommodating about 900 students starting in fall 2025 across its 56 classrooms.
The two-story building features security measures focused on campus safety along with shared cafeteria/auditorium/gym spaces designed to support both academic achievement and professional growth among faculty.
Second-grade student Asa Pender summed up some student excitement: “I am excited for recess and lunch.” Multiple playgrounds provide ample room for play during breaks at Swift Creek Elementary.
