Horry County Board approves 2026–27 budget, boosts support-staff pay and arts funding

The Horry County Board of Education approved its 2026–27 budget on June 8, directing approximately $1 million in projected new state funding toward higher support-staff wages and additional performing-arts funding for middle and high schools.

Superintendent Cliff Jones recommended using the unexpected revenue to increase support-staff compensation by an additional $0.25 per hour — bringing the total increase to $0.50 per hour — and to add $5,500 to every middle school and high school performing-arts program across the district. Finance director John Gardner told the board the district is projecting roughly $1 million in additional state aid since the budget was developed.

The public hearing before the vote featured several support-staff speakers who urged larger raises and a change in terminology. Jean Reed, speaking on behalf of the Horry County Education Association, asked the board to replace the term “classified” with “education support professionals” to recognize the work of bus drivers, cafeteria staff and classroom aides and to reconsider a proposed $0.75-per-hour increase for those employees. “Please put some respect in their check,” Reed said.

Susan Hopka, who identified herself as president of the Horry County Education Association, urged the board to consider reallocating some of the roughly $3 million earmarked for attendance bonuses toward higher base pay for paraprofessionals, custodians and cafeteria workers. “The budget is a statement of priorities,” Hopka said, adding that many support staff seek stability rather than large raises.

Two employees described years on the job and low take-home pay. Josie Hewitt, a 20-year cafeteria employee, said she does not bring home $1,000 every two weeks and asked the board to reflect appreciation in paychecks. Jennifer Lewis Williams, who said she has worked 13 years for Horry County Schools and has a spouse with cancer, urged the board to account for the full range of employees who keep schools running.

During discussion on the board floor, a motion to amend the superintendent’s budget to add $0.75 per hour plus COLA and step increases for all support staff was offered but failed for lack of a second. The board then voted to approve the superintendent’s recommended budget as presented; the transcript records the motion carried but does not provide a roll-call or numerical tally.

Board members and district staff cautioned that the district’s action depends on state budget outcomes. A board member reminded colleagues the South Carolina General Assembly had not yet finalized its budget and that the district may need to amend its plan if the state funding picture changes.

The approved budget includes the support-staff increase bringing beginning pay to $16.75 per hour and the $5,500 per-school allocation for performing-arts programs. The board voted the measure into effect and completed other regular business later in the meeting.