Unique among the Smoky Mountain News’ four county coverage area, the Swain County School Board is a partisan-elected board. This election cycle there were four candidates competing for two seats. One was held by Travis Hyatt, a Democrat, who sought reelection. The other was held by Kim Carpenter who was not seeking reelection.

R.L. Taylor is a native of Swain County and a graduate of Mars Hill University with a degree in teaching. He owns and operates an insurance agency, participates in the Swain County Schools Reading Buddies program and coaches and sponsors little league teams and recreation park basketball teams. 

Taylor spent 33 years as an educator and believes this experience gives him better insight into not only the strengths of the school system, but also the areas that need improvement. He says his Christian roots and values have guided him throughout his life. 

Lisa Loftis is the director of the State of Franklin, a private nonprofit health planning agency. She has five children in the Swain County School system. Loftis decided to run for school board because she wanted to be as involved as she could in what is happening within the school system her children are a part of.