2025 National High School Principal
of the Year
FEATURED ON
Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley, principal of Fairfield Central High School and the 2025 National High School Principal of the Year, has dedicated her career to fostering collaboration, empowering students, and driving academic excellence. Starting as a math educator at Richland Northeast High School, she advanced her leadership skills through a Master’s in Education Administration at the University of South Carolina, which provided the foundation for her administrative journey.
Under her leadership, Fairfield Central achieved its highest school ranking, a testament to her philosophy that success comes from collective effort and student ownership. Swilley champions student voices, collaboration, and advocacy for public education, embodying her commitment to excellence and pride in her community.
LEADERSHIP
A dedicated leader who champions collaboration, student empowerment, and academic excellence, achieving record-breaking success through collective effort and advocacy for public education.
In this book, Dr. Green shares the process of transforming the organizational culture of Fairfield County Schools, a district in turmoil that had experienced twelve different school superintendents over a twenty-year period. When Dr. Green arrived as superintendent in 2012, the district was viewed as one of the most dysfunctional systems in the state of South Carolina.
Once described as “the graveyard for superintendents” by former South Carolina State Superintendent, Dr. Jim Rex, Fairfield County Schools has evolved into a model of innovation, student success, employee satisfaction, and community pride. During Dr. Green's tenure, Fairfield County Schools has produced the 2020 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, the 2021 South Carolina Superintendent of the Year, and the 2024 Secondary Principal of the Year.
Dr. Green will provide a firsthand account of the strategies and initiatives he used in leading the evolution of the district. He will leave the reader with valuable insights on how to create an environment of meaningful organizational change.
FEATURED BOOK
"We are beyond thrilled to celebrate Dr. Tracie Swilley on being named the National Secondary Principal of the Year! This is an incredible honor, and it is a true testament to her tireless dedication, visionary leadership, and commitment to the students of Fairfield County School District. Dr. Swilley has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure positive academic and social outcomes, creating an environment where every student can thrive. Her impact on our district is immeasurable, and we are so fortunate to have her as an instructional leader, mentor, and advocate for excellence."
Dr. Tony Hemingway
Supt., of Fairfield County
School District
"Dr. Tracie Swilley exemplifies transformational leadership in action. Her ability to create a culture where every student believes they can succeed has led to remarkable achievements, including six consecutive graduating classes with several students earning associate degrees before their high school diplomas. Through her focus on academic excellence, she has shown that with the right leadership, every student can thrive. This honor is also a testament to the strength of South Carolina’s school leaders—Dr. Swilley is our state’s fifth National Principal of the Year since 2002 and third since 2018."
Dr. Quincie Moore
Executive Director of SCASA
"Tracie is the real deal. Tracie’s leadership has shaped Fairfield Central into a model of learning. Her approach to cultivating future leaders and fostering a culture of high expectations is exactly what we need more of in education. Tracie’s influence extends far beyond the walls of Fairfield Central, demonstrating the power of the principal to transform entire communities through their dedication and expertise."
Ronn Nozoe
CEO of NASSP
