SMITHFIELD – On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) broke ground on the school district’s newest project, Swift Creek Elementary, located at 4188 Cleveland Road, Smithfield.
The 49th school in the district, Swift Creek Elementary is instrumental in alleviating some of the capacity challenges due to the exponential growth in the central Johnston County area.
The state-of-the-art building offers a modern day feel, without sacrificing key aspects. Security and campus safety is one of the district’s primary areas of focus. With the capacity for 939 students, the nearly 115,877 square foot building will serve students from Pre-K through fifth grade.
The two-story design has an open, contemporary theme, and features a shared cafeteria, auditorium, and gym space. It will also provide unique learning and work spaces conducive for academic and professional success.
The new school will make an immediate impact by relieving overcrowding of Polenta, Cleveland, West View, McGee’s Crossroads, Dixon Road, Four Oaks, and Wilson’s Mills elementary schools.
“We are excited to break ground on this new elementary school and see all of the planning start to become a reality,” said JCPS Chief of Facility Design and Construction Brooks Moore. “With its efficient design that will accommodate nearly 950 students along with bright, exciting finishes, this new school will welcome students next fall and is located to provide much needed help to neighboring schools that are over capacity.”
Facilities such as the new Swift Creek Elementary come to fruition through the collaborative efforts of the school system, local governing bodies, and voting constituents. “We are extremely fortunate to have the support that we have within our community,” stated JCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy. “The Johnston County Board of Commissioners continuously support the educational endeavors, particularly our needs due to population growth, and they always strive to enhance the educational opportunities for our students and employees. Swift Creek Elementary is a prime example of their commitment to supporting Johnston County Public Schools.”
“Our commitment to education goes beyond infrastructure. It’s about investing in the future of our children and our community,” stated Johnston County Board of Commissioners Vice-Chairman Patrick Harris. “It’s always exciting to take part in a historical groundbreaking like we are doing today, but let us remember that our work is far from over. Let’s continue to support our schools, our educators, and most importantly, our students, as we strive to build a brighter future for all of Johnston County.”
The Swift Creek Elementary project is funded by the 2022 bond referendum. A bond referendum is a voting process that gives voters the power to decide if a municipality should be authorized to raise funds through the issuance of general obligation bonds.
The Friends of Johnston County Publics Schools (FOJCPS) committee is the group of community volunteers who support the bond referendum efforts throughout the county. The committee ensures that the public is knowledgeable of the referendum process, the needs of the school district, and raises awareness of the many efforts of the committee.
FOJCPS Chair Mr. Landis Bullock provided insightful words regarding the bond referendum process during the groundbreaking event. “Let us continue to support our schools. The greatest gift we can give to our students and the staff of our schools are facilities that are easy to teach in, and that those staff members can feel safe at all times.”
For real though, where’s the raises at for JCPS facility workers?