Burke High School executive principal Cheryl Swinton to lead CCSD’s Peninsula Promise initiative into 2026–27

Charleston County School District (CCSD) announced that Ms. Cheryl Swinton, Executive Principal of Burke High School, will transition into a new district leadership role as Program Executive for the Peninsula Promise Project, effective July 1, 2026.

In this role, Swinton will work collaboratively with school leaders, district staff, and community partners to provide strategic oversight, coordination, and direction for the Peninsula Promise initiative. The effort focuses on aligning schools, community partnerships, and resources to ensure that students across the Charleston peninsula graduate prepared for college, careers, and life.

Superintendent Anita Huggins said Swinton’s leadership, experience, and deep connection to the peninsula community make her uniquely suited to guide the work moving forward.

“Ms. Swinton has been a tireless advocate for students and families throughout her career,” said Huggins. “Her leadership at Burke High School has helped strengthen opportunities for students while building meaningful partnerships that support the entire school community. I am grateful for her willingness to expand her impact and help lead this important work as we continue investing in our peninsula schools and students.”

Swinton said the opportunity to help guide the Peninsula Promise initiative reflects a commitment she has carried throughout her time at Burke.

“This work is incredibly important to me because it reflects a commitment I have carried throughout my time at Burke High School, ensuring that every student graduates prepared for college, career, and life,” said Swinton. “The Peninsula Promise represents an opportunity for our community to align schools, partners, and resources around that shared goal. I am grateful for Superintendent Huggins’ support and for her confidence in the progress we have made together as we continue building this important work across the peninsula.”

Swinton will continue serving as Executive Principal of Burke High School through the remainder of the school year and will remain actively engaged with Burke and other peninsula schools as the Peninsula Promise initiative continues to expand.

During her tenure at Burke, Swinton has helped strengthen academic programming, expand college and career readiness opportunities, and deepen partnerships that support students and families throughout the Charleston peninsula. The school has continued to build momentum around student achievement while honoring Burke’s historic legacy within the Charleston community.

Swinton brings more than four decades of experience in education to the new role. She began her career at Burke High School as a Family and Consumer Science teacher, later serving as a guidance counselor, guidance director, curriculum specialist, assistant principal, associate principal, and executive principal.

She also spent more than a decade in leadership roles at Wando High School, where she helped oversee the Center for Advanced Studies and career and technical education programs, building partnerships with businesses and community organizations to expand opportunities for students.  Her career has consistently focused on helping students connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities, including college preparation, workforce pathways, and strong collaboration between schools and community partners.

While stepping into the new district role, Swinton said leaving the Burke principalship is bittersweet.

“Leading Burke High School has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Swinton said. “I have truly cherished serving this school community and am deeply grateful for the relationships we have built and the progress we have made together. While this was not an easy decision, I am excited for the opportunity to support more schools and leaders across the peninsula while continuing to champion the vision we share for Burke’s students.”

The Peninsula Promise initiative represents a collaborative effort between Charleston County School District and community partners to strengthen neighborhood schools, expand academic and career pathways, and provide coordinated support for students and families across the Charleston peninsula.