Parents for Safer Schools - Horry County

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Meredith Kennedy for Horry County School Board District 2 Running for School Board to make sure our classrooms prepare students for the world they’re actually stepping into.

PAM DAWSON ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR RE-ELECTION TO HORRY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 6
Horry County, SC — Pam Dawson, current member of the Horry County School Board representing District 6, announced today that she is seeking re-election in 2026.

Dawson was elected with a focus on safe schools, improved student outcomes, and fiscal responsibility. During her term, she has emphasized transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making in one of South Carolina’s largest school districts.

“Our district serves nearly 48,000 students in the largest county in South Carolina by land area,” Dawson said. “Parents expect safe learning environments. Our community expects measurable academic progress. Taxpayers expect responsible stewardship. Leadership must deliver on all three.”

Dawson has consistently stressed the Board’s responsibility to maintain safe and secure campuses, support the superintendent in elevating student achievement, and ensure careful oversight of district finances. During her time on the Board, Dawson has increased funding for teacher salaries, improved our campuses and athletic facilities, advocated for funding for the arts, increased funding for school security initiatives, focused on building new schools throughout our county – including the replacement St. James Elementary School which will break ground in 2026 – to meet the demands of our population growth, and fully supported our District’s initiative to reach 95% literacy by 2030 – all while
delivering budgets that have contained NO tax increases on Horry County residents.

She has also advocated for cooperative strategic planning with Horry County Government and municipalities as well as expanded partnerships with Coastal Carolina University, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and local nonprofit organizations to better serve
students and families.

Dawson emphasized the importance of preparing students for a rapidly changing future.

“Technology is transforming every industry,” Dawson said. “We must continue expanding Career and Technical Education programs that provide practical pathways to employment, industry certifications, and entrepreneurship, while also strengthening STEAM opportunities that prepare students for innovation and advanced study.”

“Whether a student chooses a technical pathway, a university track, military service, or business ownership, every graduate should leave our schools equipped to think critically, solve problems, and adapt in a changing world.” Dawson added, “Leadership starts with planning, requires good governance, and succeeds only when it delivers results for students.”

Dawson said she is running for re-election to continue thoughtful oversight, responsible budgeting, and student-centered leadership.

Residents are invited to visit https://dawsonforschools.com to learn more about Pam Dawson.

Update! New "Coffee with Cliff" dates and locations have been added!
As a newcomer to HCS Superintendent Clifford Jones wants to use these events to listen to the community's ideas and concerns and to share news about the district with community members. These events are just one of many ways Mr. Jones hopes to connect with the community and listen, share, and learn to make Horry County Schools an even better district.
“Coffee with Cliff” consists of informal listening sessions and discussions. Everyone is invited, and no registration or appointment is needed. Just show up, enjoy a cup of coffee, and chat.
Coffee with Cliff Schedule:
• Daisy Elementary Loris • March 12, 2025 • 7:45-8:45 a.m. (New)
• North Myrtle Beach Middle School Official Site • March 17, 2025 • 8:45 - 9:45 am
• Green Sea Floyds High • March 26 • 8:45-9:45 a.m. (New)
• St. James Intermediate School • April 1, 2025 • 8:45 - 9:45 am
• Aynor Elementary School • April 11, 2025 • 7:45 - 8:45 am
• Black Water Middle School • May 7, 2025 • 8:45-9:45 a.m. (New)
• Homewood Elementary • May 13, 2025 • 7:45 - 8:45 am
• Socastee Elementary • May 28, 2025 • 7:45 - 8:45 am

The Horry County Board of Education has announced its selection of Mr. Clifford “Cliff” Jones as the next Superintendent of Horry County Schools.
Mr. Jones will begin his three-year contract as superintendent on or shortly after February 3, 2025.
Regarding his selection, Mr. Jones says, “I’m humbled to be chosen by the Horry County Board of Education as your next superintendent. I look forward to celebrating our successes, confronting our challenges, and creating a future where every child in Horry County Schools has the tools, opportunities, and support to achieve their dreams. Together, I believe our best days are ahead!”
Visit https://bit.ly/4f17mNh to learn more about Mr. Jones and the superintendent search process.

Horry County Schools' top superintendent candidates meet with community, stakeholders The Horry County Schools community got a chance Tuesday to have some face to face time with who could be leading the district starting next year.

https://www.myhorrynews.com/news/horry-county-schools-security-coordinator-on-administrative-leave/article_02d19bc2-07c6-11ef-952d-e33ce7565fc1.html

Horry County Schools' security coordinator on administrative leave Horry County Schools’ security coordinator was placed on administrative leave after the school board forced him to decide whether he would resign, retire or be terminated.

The committee meetings are very informative and open to the public!

See you Monday, March 25!🗓️✏️📚

Another step in the right direction. Although it feels slow, our voices are being heard. 7-3 Board vote in favor of “no confidence” in our security processes and leadership currently in place. Satisfied with 7 votes but after all the Board has learned regarding security inadequacy in the past 30+ days how could you vote for “confidence?”

Horry County School Board votes ‘no-confidence’ on current security division The motion of “no confidence” passed 7-3.