Another Superintendent of a Lakes Area School District is set to retire at the end of the school year.

Following the announced retirement of Hollister School Superintendent Dr. Brian Wilson, Dr. Brad Swofford will retire as the leader of the Branson School District. 

The complete release from Branson R-IV Schools is below:
The Branson R-IV School District announces the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Brad Swofford, effective June 30, 2025. 

Dr. Swofford has spent his entire career in the Branson School District since 1995, when he was hired as a history teacher and coach, followed by assistant principal, and then principal at Branson Junior High. He advanced to assistant superintendent in 2009, and stepped into the role of superintendent in January 2016. Under his leadership, the district saw improvements in teacher recruitment and retention, advanced facilities, and mission-focused student success. 

He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, a Master of Educational Administration from Missouri State University, and a Bachelor of Science in History from Missouri State University. 

Beyond his district leadership, Dr. Swofford has contributed to educational advancement through his service on the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) Board of Directors, as well as through his membership with the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). Community affiliations include the Branson-Holllister Rotary Club, Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, CoxHealth-Branson board member, and Skaggs Foundation board member. 

Dr. Swofford expressed his gratitude, sharing, “I have always considered public education to be a calling. 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.” 

Board President Sonja Myer shared, “The Board of Education is incredibly thankful for Dr. Swofford’s leadership and dedication. The spirit of collaboration in which Dr. Swofford has served will leave a lasting legacy in the district and the community. We are committed to ensuring the continued success of Branson Public Schools throughout the transition of the next superintendent.” 

The Board of Education accepted Dr. Swofford’s resignation during an executive session of the January 6th board meeting. Dr. Swofford will continue to serve the district until his retirement on June 30, 2025.