Swannanoa Elementary School name changed after a beloved principal retired in March of 1990. Bill Williams taught at Swannanoa for 8 years and then was principal for 17 years. After his retirement the community and teachers felt that the school should carry his name. He was a wonderful administrator who had a great deal of respect for the staff that worked under him. He stood behind his teachers and was a great communicator. As a symbol of appreciation and to honor him for his dedication and years of service the PTO petitioned the School Board for a name change.
School History
History
W.D Williams was originally called Swannanoa Elementary School. Swannanoa Elementary was housed for many years across the street from W. D. Williams present location. During that time it was a K-8 school, due to overcrowding the county built a new high school. This allowed for the 6-8 grades in the Owen district to use the old high school as the new Owen Middle School. Shortly after 6-8 grades had made their move a new Swannanoa Elementary was built. In 1980 Swannanoa Elementary moved buildings to what is today W.D. Williams.
