Horry County Schools board member who resigned his position this year passes away
A former Horry County Schools Board of Education member who stepped down in April due to health concerns has passed away, the school district announced Monday. He was 81.
Howard Barnard, who represented District 5, served on the board for more than five years. Before being elected in November 2020, he served two terms on the Horry County Council and was a retired fighter pilot and colonel in the U.S. Air Force.
Barnard resigned April 1, citing his cancer diagnosis in a letter to board President David Cox. The Sun News previously reported that Barnard had been in remission from bladder cancer for more than four years, but the cancer returned.
“Mr. Barnard was a devoted public servant, deeply committed to enhancing Horry County Schools and his community,” the board wrote in a news release on Monday. “He tirelessly advocated for public education, and we will honor his life while expressing gratitude for his contributions and support.”
Who will replace his seat?
Barnard’s term wasn’t finished until the 2028 General Election. Since he stepped down, the board is responsible for filling his seat for the remainder of the term.
After a board member steps down, the Horry County Board of Education is responsible for filling the vacancy within 90 days of the person leaving, according to its by-laws. Since Barnard resigned on April 1, the board has to fill his seat by the end of June.
In order to be considered for the position, applicants had to reside in District 5 and fill out a form, submitting it by April 29. Now that the board has all the forms, it will meet to review the potential candidates on May 18. The board will then interview candidates on May 28.
One person from the candidates interviewed will be selected to fill the vacancy by a majority vote.
