Horry County Board approves three-year contract for Clifford Jones as superintendent

The Horry County Board of Education voted unanimously on a special call to authorize an employment contract with Clifford Jones to serve as superintendent of Horry County Schools.

Board member Shanda moved that the board chair be authorized to execute a contract naming Clifford Jones superintendent, effective February 2025 or whenever he is able to begin. The motion specified a three-year term through June 30, 2028, at an annual salary of $270,000; the motion said the contract was prepared by the district attorney and reviewed by all board members. The motion was seconded and members were asked to register their votes using the board's voting machines.

While votes were being cast, a board representative called Jones by phone. Jones answered, saying, “Well, I'm ready to get to work, and I'm humbled by the the board's decision to to bring me be part of the team. And I look forward to this opportunity and walking with with you all on this journey.” The chair later announced the vote outcome saying it “was unanimous.”

The board met in executive session earlier in the meeting to discuss superintendent employment; for the record a member stated that no votes were taken during that executive session. The formal authorization to execute the employment contract took place in open session following the executive session.

The board did not provide a named roll-call vote in the public portion of the transcript; the motion text and outcome were read into the record and confirmed by the chair. Details included in the motion — the contract's effective date window, term through 06/30/2028 and the $270,000 annual salary — were presented as part of the motion and are reported here as stated in the meeting.

Next procedural steps referenced in the meeting: the board chair was authorized to execute the contract and the board will finalize administrative steps for Jones to assume his duties once he is able to begin.