Conway Welcomes New Superintendent for Horry County Schools
CONWAY, South Carolina –
Horry County Schools has officially announced the appointment of its new superintendent, Clifford Jones, who will begin his role on February 3, 2025. This decision was made during a board meeting held on December 19, 2024, where the board unanimously voted in favor of Jones, currently the chief of staff for Fulton County Schools in Fulton, Georgia.
The search for a new leader for the school district was initiated after the retirement of former Superintendent Rick Maxey, which took effect on June 30. Maxey had been with the district for several years and decided to retire three years ahead of his planned departure in 2027.
Jones will be stepping into his new position with a salary of $270,000 per year. The board selected him after reviewing more than 40 applications, narrowing the search down to three finalists. Alongside Jones were Jonathan Crossley, the superintendent of Hope School District in Arkansas, and Michael Thorsland, an administrator from Walhalla’s Oconee County School District.
Board Chairman David Cox expressed confidence in the decision, stating that Jones’ extensive background with larger school districts set him apart from the other candidates. Fulton County Schools serves over 80,000 students, while Horry County Schools is the third-largest district in South Carolina, with over 48,000 students and 6,300 staff members, including more than 3,000 teachers.
Cox highlighted the complexity of managing a larger district, saying, “He understands the complexity of a larger district. Any of the three would have been fine, but this guy had a little more experience.” He added that both he and interim Superintendent Eddie Ingram will support Jones during his transition to ensure a smooth handoff.
Clifford Jones comes to Horry County Schools with an impressive resume. He began his career in education as a social studies teacher in 2001 and has held various positions, including principal and roles at the district level since 2015. Most recently, he was appointed to his current position in Fulton County in 2023. According to a biography provided by Horry County Schools, Jones holds three master’s degrees, focusing on modern history, education, and business administration.
As the new superintendent, Jones will face many challenges and opportunities as he takes on leadership in a district marked by growth and diversity. The decision by the board to hire him reflects their commitment to finding a candidate who can navigate the complexities of managing a large and expanding school system.
The appointment represents a step forward for Horry County Schools as it looks to continue providing quality education and support for its students and staff. The board has expressed excitement about the new direction Jones may bring to the district, emphasizing collaboration and community engagement.
As the start date approaches, the community can anticipate updates on initiatives and goals that Jones may implement to enhance the educational experience within Horry County Schools. His experience and background in a significant district in Georgia are expected to foster a relationship of growth and positive change within the Horry County educational framework.
The board’s decision on Jones seems to signal a strong sense of optimism about the future of Horry County Schools as they prepare for a new chapter in leadership that promises to be both dynamic and constructive.
