Horry County School board members get first look at the superintendent applicant pool

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - Horry County Schools' months-long superintendent search is coming to its final stages.

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

“We want to make sure that we continue to stay on top of the academics and make sure that we’re moving that needle and making improvements year after year,” said Lisa Bourcier, spokesperson for Horry County Schools.

That is just one of the things Bourcier told WMBF News that has been on board members’ minds 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 in our community. We had 21 stakeholder meetings in three days. They met with students and teachers and parents, they met with community members, the chambers of commerce, and various nonprofits within our community, to really get a feel of, kind of, the characteristics of what they’d like to see in our superintendent,” said Bourcier.

Since the school board just saw the applicant pool Thursday, WMBF News was not able to get a list. But, we’re told once the board narrows down to a top three, the public will be able to see their names and resumes, and even attend 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 manager that would be able to handle such a large school district as us, as well as the diversity that we have here as well with our students. We also want someone that is outcome-driven,” said Bourcier. “It’s going to be a big task for someone, but we know that particular person is out there, and we are 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 by the end of the calendar year.