Meet the candidates for Horry County Board of Education, District 4
David Cox
Age | 64
Party | Republican
Occupation | Web specialist at Elliott Realty
Family | Married; eight children; 14 grandchildren
Education | B.A., journalism, University of South Carolina
Civic and political experience | Served on the Horry County Board of Education since 2008; registered Republican since 1980
Military experience | None
Question | Last year, the Board of Education approved building five new schools at $72.9 million over the initial budget. Do you think that money will be well-spent, and if not, what would you have suggested the district do differently?
Answer | The monies allocated for the new schools were an investment into our children’s future. Approximately 40 percent of the overage was because the infrastructure was not part of the original budget of $167 million. The original footprint for the middle schools exceeded the budget. The architect was told to shrink the building to fit the budget. That’s why there were no windows in some classrooms. It failed to meet certain specifications required by law for school construction. In 10 years, these buildings will be producing enough energy to be self sustaining.
Robert Palmer
Age | 66
Party | Republican
Occupation | Retired/mortgage loan officer
Family | Single
Education | B.A., business management; Real estate license
Civic and political experience | President of Southern Regional School Board, Vice President Ocean County School Board Association, county representative to State School Board Association. Chairman Capitol Projects Committee (school construction projects)
Military experience | None
Question | Last year, the Board of Education approved building five new schools at $72.9 million over the initial budget. Do you think that money will be well-spent, and if not, what would you have suggested the district do differently?
Answer | The building must be done. My main reason to get elected is that I have been involved in many public construction projects, i.e building and renovations of schools and libraries. One must be familiar with dealings between architects, building officials, construction management firms, contractors, etc. One must also be vigilant of the budget watching change orders, use of contingency fees, errors etc. I can and have. Watching the finances is paramount, I would like to see better compensation for the staff which will also equate to giving our children a higher level of achievement.
Scott Thompson
Age | 53
Party | Republican
Occupation | Owner/operator of Thompson Farm and The Peanut Warehouse
Family | Four daughters
Education | Coastal Carolina University; aviation license, North American Institute of Aviation
Civic and political experience | School Improvement Committee, Watch Dog Dads Program, Citizens Advisory Committee for the Socastee cluster, on the Selection Committee for three principal positions and numerous assistant principal positions, Superintendent’s Cabinet
Military experience | None
Question | Last year, the Board of Education approved building five new schools at $72.9 million over the initial budget. Do you think that money will be well-spent, and if not, what would you have suggested the district do differently?
Answer | I believe that the over budget of our new schools is completely uncalled for. The “Energy Positive school” will cause a serious impact on tax payers in years to come and recouping an over budget of $72.9 million in direct benefits to our children unfortunately will never happen. I have noticed changes in policies during this bid process including changes in rain policies and a 20 percent increase in construction costs over a 12 month period, which will directly reflect payments to First Floor, the building contractor. My opponent has currently received $12,000 in campaign endorsements directly from our schools contractors.
This story was originally published June 11, 2016 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Meet the candidates for Horry County Board of Education, District 4."