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.

Name change: 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.

Current W.D. Williams:

• W.D. Williams is a kindergarten through fifth grade school located in the Swannanoa Valley. Our enrollment is approximately 450 students.
• There are 23 teachers, 15 full-time assistants and 3 part-time assistants, and 25 support staff.
• Our student body is comprised of many ethnic groups; 77% Caucasian, 14% Hispanic, 5% Multi-Racial, 2% African American, 1% American Indian, and 1% Asian.