Branson superintendent to retire from district

provided by Branson Public Schools

Brad Swofford has been employed at the Branson school district since 1995.

Last edited 2:36 p.m., Jan. 7, 2025 [Editor's note: Information on the successor search has been added.]

The nine-year superintendent of Branson Public Schools has set his retirement date from the district.

Brad Swofford's last day is scheduled June 30, according to a news release. The Branson Board of Education accepted Swofford's resignation during executive session at its Jan. 6 meeting.

Swofford has been superintendent since January 2016 and a district employee for his entire education career since 1995.

“I have always considered public education to be a calling," Swofford said in the release. "It has been an honor to be a part of Branson schools over the last 30 years. I am grateful to each of the board members I’ve had the opportunity to work with, our staff, our students and our supportive Branson community."

As superintendent, Swofford is credited by district officials with leading improvements in teacher recruitment and retention, advanced facilities and student success. The district's website lists more than 4,500 students and over 650 employees.

"The spirit of collaboration in which Dr. Swofford has served will leave a lasting legacy in the district and the community," said Sonja Myer, school board president, in the release. "We are committed to ensuring the continued success of Branson Public Schools throughout the transition of the next superintendent."

The board has hired search firm EGL Association to help find Swofford's successor, with the position scheduled to be posted within the next week, said Tori Palumbo, director of communications for Branson Public Schools. Palumbo added that the board hopes to bring a recommendation at its Feb. 20 meeting.