JCHS Auditorium Named ‘James D. Swann Performing Arts Center’

The Jefferson County School Board officially named the new Jefferson County High School auditorium the James D. Swann Performing Arts Center on Thursday, April 24, 2014. School Board Members unanimously approved the Motion of Board Member Randy Bradley and 2nd of Judy Cavanah to name the new addition after the former Jefferson County High School Principal. Bradley presented Board Members with a summary of some of Swann’s contributions during his career in education in Jefferson County. Board Members shared recollections of their interactions with Mr. Swann and Bradley requested that the following summary be included in the minutes of the meeting.

James D. Swann was a 38 year veteran of the Jefferson County Department of Education. He began his career at Talbot School as a Principal and teacher before quickly moving to White Pine School, at the age of 24, as Principal. He served Jefferson County as Assistant Superintendent in the 1970s and became Principal of Jefferson County High School in 1981. His tenure as the Principal of Jefferson County High School lasted a dozen years and during that time, Jefferson County High School was at its pinnacle, academically and athletically. Swann put a new focus on academics, bringing in the first opportunity for local students to achieve college credit while in high school. He expanded classes and initiated college prep classes, while enhancing vocational classes, to ensure that students were prepared for life after JCHS. The honors program soared at Jefferson County High School during these years, as did the athletic programs. It was during the mid 1980s that Swann created the first drama class at JCHS and recruited Billi Yardley to head that program. He was a great supporter of the band program, which was highly decorated and, during this time, Jefferson County High School students participated in the highly successful Traveling Talent Show, which was the very first venue for JCHS students to showcase their talents. Jefferson County High School was the powerhouse of East Tennessee in athletics and academics, and certainly the Flagship School of Jefferson County.

Following his years at JCHS, Swann served as supervisor of secondary education where, among other duties, he supervised the building program. A life long proponent of education, James D Swann loved his staff and students and considered his years at the helm of Jefferson County High School to be some of his most enjoyable. He was proud of Jefferson County High School and her accomplishments. After his retirement, Swann still took an active interest in Jefferson County High School, lobbying for its renovation and auditorium addition, which he felt was the missing piece of the once premier school. Sadly, Swann passed away on May 31, 2012, before the renovations at Jefferson County High School began and he never realized his desire to see Jefferson County High School regain its position as the crowing jewel of Jefferson County.

James D. Swann’s wife, Linda, said Friday that “Jim would have been honored to continue to be a part of the school that he loved so much. He was proud of Jefferson County High School, teachers, students and staff. Jim was truly proud to be a Patriot and we are deeply touched by the School Board’s action. The James D. Swann Performing Arts Center will certainly be a wonderful addition to Jefferson County High School and for the community”