Swatek named South Dakota Elementary Principal of the Year

Jay Swatek is pictured above with his wife and daughter last Friday morning when he was named the 2025 South Dakota Elementary Principal of the Year.  

Venture Elementary Principal Jay Swatek received a surprise honor this past Friday morning, Apr. 4 when he was named the 2025 South Dakota Elementary Principal of the Year.

Swatek was surrounded by his Venture Elementary staff, Tea Area Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Lowery, and his family during the special announcement. His wife and daughter were part of the surprise, though his son was unable to attend due to the last-minute nature of the celebration.

Swatek has been with the Tea Area School District since July 2019, when he took the helm as the first principal of the newly built Venture Elementary on the south side of Tea. From the start, Swatek focused on building a school culture rooted in family, connection, and community.

Prior to joining the Tea Area School District, Swatek spent two years at West Central as the activities director and the assistant dean of students for the middle and high school. Prior to that, he taught fifth grade for ten years in Garretson and one year in Parkston as a fourth grade teacher.

Raised on a farm near Wagner, SD, Swatek graduated from Wagner High School in 1993. He earned his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from South Dakota State University and later pursued his education degree from Dakota Wesleyan University. He also holds a master’s degree in school administration from the University of Sioux Falls.

Throughout his career, Swatek has been known for his dedication, work ethic, and student-centered approach — qualities that undoubtedly contributed to this well-deserved statewide recognition.