The Northwest Regional Educational Service Alliance (NWRESA) has named Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan the 2027 Regional Superintendent of the Year, recognizing his innovative leadership, commitment to student success and dedication to strengthening public education across Western North Carolina.

The cost of the new eastern elementary school leapt by more than 20% this past week to approximately $66.7 million, forcing the district to reconsider how it will fund the school that was previously slated for debt-free construction.

Walking through the hallways of Freedom High School on May 8, the scent of fresh-cooked chicken and salmon hit the nose before the clattering pots, pans, and utensils reached the ears. The annual Chartwells-hosted Chopped competition was underway.

The cost of the new eastern elementary school leapt by more than 20% this past week to approximately $66.7 million, forcing the district to reconsider how it will fund the school that was previously slated for debt-free construction.

North Carolina is among the top states in the nation for business and population growth, but is projected to be in the bottom five for teacher salaries this year, raising red flags for Burke educators who’ve been in the field for decades.

North Carolina is among the top states in the nation for business and population growth, but is projected to be in the bottom five for teacher salaries this year, raising red flags for Burke educators who’ve been in the field for decades.

Hallyburton Academy students will be moving to Draughn High School at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

Where Hallyburton students attend school in the fall is set to be decided when the Burke County Board of Education meets on April 27.

Burke County Public Schools recognized Jonathon Morgan, an eighth-grade math teacher at Table Rock Middle School, as the district 2025-26 Teacher of the Year last week, presenting him with the award and a Ford Bronco, which he gets to drive for the next year.

On Tuesday evening, the Burke County Board of Education invited the public to bring forward questions about the controversial potential move of Hallyburton Academy to an isolated wing of Draughn High School, drawing questions from parents and community members and prompting responses from the district’s principals and directors.