Charleston County Schools’ Associate Superintendent Position Filled Permanently
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Elementary schools in the Charleston County School District officially have a permanent leader: a woman who has been serving in the position since 2022.
The Charleston County School District’s Office of Communications says Jennifer Swearingen, who has a doctorate in educational administration through grade 12, has been promoted from interim associate superintendent of the elementary learning community and now holds the position permanently.
Years of Dedicated Service
Swearingen has served in the district for the last 27 years, first joining as a teacher at Ladson Elementary School in 1997. After seven years in that position, she moved into an administrative position as an assistant principal at Jennie Moore Elementary School. From there, she was quickly promoted to principal of Oakland Elementary School. She was principal there for eight years. She has since played a central role in the leadership of the district’s Elementary Learning Community.
Confidence in Leadership
District Superintendent Anita Huggins expressed confidence in Swearingen’s ability to serve in the role. “As a fellow veteran educator in the district, I have had the privilege and honor of working with and alongside Dr. Swearingen in her various positions over the years,” said Huggins. “Her work ethic is unparalleled and her commitment to doing what is best for children is evidenced in her leadership style and daily work. We are excited to permanently welcome her to this role and look forward to her continued leadership of our elementary schools.”
Education and Recognition
Swearingen holds 4 degrees from multiple Lowcountry colleges, including the College of Charleston, The Citadel, and the University of South Carolina. She was Ladson Elementary School’s teacher of the year for 2003 to 2004 and a Charleston County School District Star Principal in 2024.
