Horry County Schools Implements Major Changes for 2024

News Summary

Horry County Schools is undergoing significant changes in 2024, including new leadership, enhanced security measures, and a substantial budget increase aimed at improving student safety and education. After the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Rick Maxey, Dr. Eddie Ingram took over as interim superintendent, with Clifford Jones appointed as the new superintendent starting February 2025. In light of security concerns, new metal detection systems and clear backpack policies are being implemented. The budget for 2024-25 emphasizes safety with an allocation of $1.16 billion, setting the stage for a promising future for the district.

Exciting Changes Unfold in Horry County Schools for 2024

Students, parents, and educators in Horry County are buzzing with news and updates as the school year of 2024 brings along a wave of changes! From new leadership to essential security enhancements, Horry County Schools is stepping into the future with a clear focus on safety and improvement.

Superintendent Shake-Up

One of the biggest headlines this year is the retirement of Dr. Rick Maxey, who left his position as superintendent on April 29, 2024, a whole two years before his contract was set to end. With his departure, the HCS Board of Education quickly appointed Dr. Eddie Ingram to take over as interim superintendent on May 15, 2024. The search for a new permanent superintendent kicked off soon after, and the board held public forums throughout the fall to gather input from the community regarding what they would like to see in a new leader.

Fast forward to December 19, 2024, when it was announced that Clifford Jones, who served as Chief of Staff for the Fulton County Schools in Georgia, was confirmed as the new superintendent. He’s set to officially start his role in February 2025, promising fresh ideas and a new direction for the district.

Security Measures in Response to Recent Events

In an alarming incident earlier in the year, a student at Myrtle Beach Middle School was detained for bringing a handgun and ammunition onto campus. The HCS Board wasted no time in responding to this serious situation. Plans to enhance school security are now in full swing, with the decision to install metal detection systems being a high priority.

The district has opted for the OPENGATE weapons detection system to be rolled out district-wide, with hopes to have it up and running by Fall 2024. Furthermore, all students will now be required to use clear backpacks. This is all part of an effort to boost safety and ensure that every student feels secure while learning.

Budget Boosts for Education and Safety

The 2024-25 budget is impressive, with a total amount of $1.16 billion. This budget not only allows for a much-deserved raise of $2,000 plus an additional 2% for teachers but also includes nearly $10 million earmarked for new safety measures across the district. The plans to implement new weapon detection systems and hire additional safety specialists are at the forefront of these budget allocations, showing a strong commitment to student welfare.

New Schools and Policies Coming Soon

The excitement doesn’t end there! The construction of the new Whittemore Park Middle School in Conway was completed and opened its doors on July 31, 2024. Additionally, plans for two new elementary schools, Ten Oaks Elementary and Pine Island Elementary, have been confirmed and are set to welcome students in the 2025-26 school year.

Another change on the horizon is the district’s new electronic device policy. Effective from January 22, 2025, students will need to put away their cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and earbuds during school hours. The aim is to foster a focused learning environment free from distractions.

Staff Training for Safety Implementation

To ensure a smooth transition to these new security measures, training sessions have been organized for staff members throughout the summer. This hands-on approach allows educators to get familiar with the new safety systems before the students return for the new school year.

As 2024 unfolds, the Horry County Schools district is certainly taking strides to prioritize both education and safety, and the community is eager to support these positive changes. From new leadership to enhanced security, it’s evident that the future is bright for Horry County Schools!