From Deer Park to a Place of Influence: Adam Swinyard's Journey in Education

For Dr. Adam Swinyard, the journey to becoming superintendent of Spokane Public Schools began in a small town where close-knit relationships, dedicated educators, and a strong sense of community helped shape the person he would become. A 2001 graduate of Deer Park High School, Swinyard has built a career in education that has taken him from the classroom to school administration, and ultimately to leading one of Washington state's largest school districts. His work has earned him statewide and national recognition, most recently being named one of 25 honorees for the Spokane Journal of Business' 2026 People of Influence Award.

Yet, despite the responsibilities that come with leading a district of approximately 30,000 students and 6,000 employees, Swinyard's connection to his hometown remains strong. "I loved growing up in Deer Park and being part of such a close-knit community," Swinyard said. "There is something special about the small-town atmosphere, the relationships that span generations, and the genuine sense of connection and pride people have in their hometown. Those experiences are an important part of who I am today."

During his years at Deer Park High School, Swinyard said he was fortunate to have teachers and coaches who made a lasting impression on him. He specifically remembers former teacher and coach Doug McGill, who encouraged him to consider a career in education and showed him the difference an educator can make in the lives of young people. Doug Watson also had a tremendous influence, investing countless hours in coaching, opening the gym on Sunday nights, and encouraging students to pursue excellence in athletics and beyond, Swinyard said. Although Swinyard didn't know as a high school student that education would become his career, those early relationships helped lay the foundation for what was ahead. "That interest (in education) developed during college and became clearer after I spent time working as a college basketball coach,” he said. “Those experiences helped me appreciate how meaningful it is to support young people as they learn, grow, and pursue their goals.

After graduating from Deer Park in 2001, Swinyard attended Northwest University, earning his bachelor's degree in secondary education. He later earned his master's degree in education, doctorate in executive leadership, and Washington state principal and superintendent credentials from Seattle Pacific University. He began his teaching career in the Lake Washington and Snohomish school districts, teaching health and fitness, English, and social studies. Those early classroom experiences reinforced the important role educators play in shaping young people's lives.

"Education is about more than teaching academic content," Swinyard said. "It is also about helping young people develop confidence, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to making a positive difference for others." As his career progressed, Swinyard transitioned into school administration, becoming an assistant principal at age 26 and a principal at 30. He served as an assistant principal at Cheney High School and later joined Spokane Public Schools in 2013 as principal of Sacajawea Middle School. During his time there, he was recognized as an Association of Washington School Principals Regional Principal of the Year in 2015 and was twice nominated for the organization's Washington State Middle School Principal of the Year Award. His professional journey continued within Spokane Public Schools, where he served as director of secondary schools and associate superintendent for teaching and learning before being named superintendent by the district's board of directors in the summer of 2020. At 36, he had reached a position he said he never imagined holding when he first began his career. "No, I never imagined that I would become a school superintendent," Swinyard said. "The opportunity developed over time, and I feel that I was led toward this work. I believe there is a path and purpose for each of us, and that our experiences often prepare us for opportunities we could not have anticipated earlier in life."

His leadership quickly earned recognition beyond Spokane. In November 2022, the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) named Swinyard its 2023 Superintendent of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding leadership among Washington's public school superintendents. In announcing the honor, WASA Executive Director Joel Aune praised Swinyard's commitment to equitable outcomes for students, highlighting the district's work to address disparities in student discipline through restorative practices, and a multi-tiered system of support. Aune also recognized Swinyard's emphasis on creating an inclusive school community where students, families, and staff experience a strong sense of belonging. He described the district's renewed focus on relationships as central to its work.

That same year, the National School Public Relations Association named Swinyard one of its 2022 Superintendents to Watch. The national recognition highlighted his innovative leadership and commitment to effective communication, outreach, and relationship-building throughout the school community. Under his leadership, Spokane Public Schools was also named a District of Distinction in 2024 by the District Administration Leadership Institute for its work providing access and opportunities to all students. His latest recognition, the 2026 People of Influence honor, recognizes decision-makers in the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene area who are working to improve quality of life throughout the Inland Northwest. Among the initiatives highlighted in his recognition is Together Spokane, a collaboration between Spokane Public Schools and Spokane Parks and Recreation. The partnership brought forward a $200 million school bond and a $240 million parks levy, both of which received voter approval in November 2025. The combined investment is intended to improve schools, parks and neighborhoods throughout Spokane, creating enhanced spaces for learning, recreation, and community connec- tion for generations to come.

Swinyard has also focused on preparing students for opportunities beyond graduation through partnerships with industry leaders in health care, manufacturing, and construction. One example is the development of a full-time Trades High School for students in grades nine through 12, established in collaboration with Spokane Colleges. The program is designed to connect student interests with workforce needs while preparing young people for careers in industries that are import- ant to the region. For Swinyard, keeping students at the center of district decisions is espe- cially important amid the many demands of leading a large school system. "Every day is fastpaced and brings a wide range of opportunities and complex challenges," he said. "Amid those competing demands, I make visiting schools a priority. Spending time with students and staff keeps me connected to the people at the heart of our work and helps ensure that our decisions remain focused on what matters most."

He also recognizes that today's students face challenges that look dif- ferent from those he ex- perienced growing up, such as the amount of time young people spend on personal devices. In Spokane, the district has responded by empha- sizing the importance of every student being connected to a meaningful activity after school, every day. The goal is to give young people opportunities to build relationships, develop interests, and participate in positive experiences beyond their screens. Despite his busy schedule, Swinyard has maintained close ties to Deer Park. His parents still live in the community, and he and his family continue to spend holi- days and weekends in the area. "Those connections remain very meaningful to me," he said.

His connection to Deer Park runs even deep- er through his family's history. "The Deer Park area will always feel like home," Swinyard said. "My family's roots in the area go back to some of its earliest settlers, and that history gives me a deep connection to the community. No matter where life takes me, I will always care about Deer Park and cheer for its success." Returning to his hometown also gives Swinyard a different perspective on the importance of public education and the challenges communities face in supporting their schools. He recognizes that families and residents face real financial pressures, including the burden of local taxes, but believes "strong schools help build strong communities, support property values and the local economy, and provide young people with posi- tive, structured opportu- nities," he said.

Looking ahead, Swinyard hopes his legacy in Spokane Public Schools will be one of belonging, achievement, an da shared commitment to students and staff. "I hope every member of our district feels cared for, valued, and invited to contribute to some- thing meaningful," he said. "I want Spokane Public Schools to be a place where people feel a strong sense of belonging and pride, where we achieve excellent results for students, and where our shared commitment to one another is evident in everything we do."

For young people in Deer Park who may someday consider a career in education, Swinyard offers advice rooted in the same lessons that helped guide his own journey. "A career in education offers a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. Few profes- sions provide so many opportunities to positively influence the lives of young people and con- tribute to the future of a community. If you are drawn to that work, seek out great mentors, build strong relationships, and embrace opportunities to learn and lead." It is advice that re- flects the influence of the teachers, coaches, and community members who invested in him as a young student and the values he has carried throughout his career. If he could go back and offer his high-schoolaged self one piece of advice, Swinyard said he would emphasize the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships. "The people you meet, learn from, and support along the way will shape your life in ways you may not fully appreciate at the time," he said.