Horry County School Board members get first look at superintendent applicant pool

On November 23, 2024By Littum

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – Horry County Schools’ months-long superintendent search is reaching its final stages.

On Thursday, the board members got a first look at the applicant pool.

“We want to make sure that we continue to stay on top of academics and make sure that we move that needle and make improvements year after year,” said Lisa Bourcier, spokeswoman for Horry County Schools.

It’s just one of the things Bourcier told WMBF News has been on the minds of board members as they consider who will lead the district starting next school year.

Since former superintendent Dr. Rick Maxey retired in June, representatives from a national search firm have been hard at work.

“Not only did they interview the board, but they went out into our community. We had 21 stakeholder meetings in three days. They met with students and teachers and parents, they met with community members, chambers of commerce and various nonprofits in our community to really get a sense of, sort of the characteristics of what they would like to see in our superintendent,” Bourcier said.

As the school board has just seen the applicant pool on Thursday, WMBF News could not get a list. But, we’re told, once the board is narrowed down to a top three, the public will be able to see their names and resumes and even participate in meet-and-greets with them.

“We are a unique school district. We are a very large school district, so I think they are looking for a type of leader who would be able to handle a school district as large as ours, as well as the diversity that we have here with our students as well. We also want someone who is results-driven,” said Bourcier. “It’s going to be a tall order for somebody, but we know that person is out there and we’re excited.”

If board members like the applicant pool they saw, Bourcier said they could have a top three by Dec. 9. They hope to have their final decision before the end of the calendar year.