On Sunday, August 17, 2025, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) officially opened the new 115,877 square-foot Swift Creek Elementary School with a grand opening ceremony event that included a ribbon-cutting and a library dedication. The Johnston County Board of Education hosted the event for students, staff, families, community members, government officials, and local dignitaries.
Approximately 600 guests were invited into the school’s cafetorium for remarks from event speakers. Three Swift Creek Elementary students, Logan Britt, Jonah Hopkins, and Emmelene Hopkins, led the Pledge of Allegiance before program speakers provided additional comments.
JCPS Superintendent Dr. David Pearce continued the historic occasion with welcome remarks. “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 reflected on the journey that led to the completion of the school thanking those involved, including Johnston County voters, who approved the 2022 bond referendum, the Johnston County Commissioners, the Friends of Johnston County Public Schools (FOJCPS) Bond Committee, the JCPS Facilities and Construction team, the Wellons family, and everyone who had a hand in Swift Creek Elementary. Every phase of the project, from design to final touches, helps to make the building unique.
Swift Creek Elementary Principal Tamara Poland also spoke to the guests with words of excitement and jubilation about the new school and her vision for the students. “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.
The ceremony also included remarks from Johnston County Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews, Johnston County Board of Commissioners Chair Butch Lawter, Friends of Johnston County Public Schools Chair Landis Bullock, and a special prayer by Raymon Wycof, Pastor of Elizabeth United Methodist Church. There was also the dedication of the media center in honor of Mr. John Donald Hobart of Smithfield, NC. A plaque honoring Mr. Hobart hangs in the media center.
To conclude the event, the community was invited to participate in tours of the school led by the staff, which included a glimpse into classrooms filled with natural light and state-of-the-art technology, giving everyone a chance to see the amazing innovation of Swift Creek Elementary.
The completion of the highly anticipated new school will have an immediate impact by relieving overcrowding of Polenta, Cleveland, West View, McGee’s Crossroads, Dixon Road, Four Oaks, and Wilson's Mills elementary schools.
With a two-story design, the sleek building boasts a contemporary feel and features key security elements for campus safety, which is one of the district’s primary areas of focus. The school also includes a shared cafeteria, auditorium, and gym space, with unique learning and work spaces that enhance academic and professional success.
Home of the Salamanders, Principal Poland, Assistant Principal Dr. Emem Thompson, and staff will welcome approximately 900 students for the 2025-2026 school year. The district’s 49th school features 56 classrooms to serve the growing population.
The school also has aspects that are especially important to second-grade student Asa Pender. “I am excited for recess and lunch,” he said. He will enjoy recess on the multiple playgrounds, offering bursts of color and plenty of space for his and every student at Swift Creek Elementary’s imaginations to soar.
