School Safety Debate Sparks ‘No-Confidence’ Vote by Horry County School Board

Myrtle Beach News

School safety debate ends in ‘no-confidence’ vote by Horry County School Board

CONWAY — The Horry County Board of Education’s debate over school safety took a sharp turn this month when board members gave a vote of no confidence to the district’s security department. The vote came after the board met in an hour-long executive session March 12, during which officials discussed school security, personnel matters, and an unrelated student appeal.

Since the vote, board members have offered little explanation for their decision. Board member Howard Barnard, who made the motion for the vote of no confidence, refused to say why he suggested that action. Board Member Debbie Edmonds, who represents Carolina Forest and Myrtle Beach, also wouldn’t delve into the reasons for her vote but stressed that efforts are underway to make schools safer.

While the specific reasons for the vote remain unclear, it comes after the school district proposed changes to its security protocols, including metal detection upgrades and extra security at middle and high school entrances. The school security has been at the forefront of the board’s discussions after a Myrtle Beach Middle School student brought a gun and ammunition on Feb. 6.

No one was harmed during the incident, but it prompted an outcry from concerned parents. The student who was detained now faces criminal charges and could be expelled for at least one year. Following this incident, the school board wants to upgrade schools’ weapons detection systems and has proposed funding in the next fiscal year for hiring an additional security person in each middle and high school specifically for processing students and visitors as they arrive.

Security Upgrades

The estimated cost for the extra guards would be about $710,000. Horry County Schools also plans to add $15 million to the district’s school safety and security budget and expects to add over $4 million each year for security upgrades for the next five years. In January, county police placed school resource officers in seven schools, with hopes to add officers in more schools in the future.

Leonhardt, HCPD Deputy Chief, is optimistic about having officers in every school within the jurisdiction. The move to improve school security comes after the county’s removal of officers from schools in unincorporated areas back in 2017 over a funding dispute with the district. The recent state funding has provided an opportunity for the county to bring police back into schools.

Positive Changes

While the reasons for the vote of no confidence remain undisclosed, many are hopeful that the recent developments will lead to positive changes in school security. The district’s commitment to enhancing safety measures and the addition of police officers in schools show a proactive approach to ensuring the well-being of students and staff.