Here’s how much Horry County Schools superintendent will make after raise announcement
Horry County Schools Superintendent Rick Maxey is set to receive a sizable raise following his annual performance review by the district’s board members.
The board voted unanimously Monday to increase Maxey’s salary to $260,000, a jump of more than $32,000 from his earnings before the raise. His previous salary was $227,305 ahead of the vote.
Board chair Ken Richardson called Maxey’s leadership “highly effective” and board members applauded his leadership, specifically through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The board would like to thank Dr. Maxey for his leadership under tremendously challenging circumstances,” Richardson said.
The nearly 15% raise is accompanied by an automobile allowance of $1,000 and an increase of the district’s contribution to Maxey’s annuity to 15%. Maxey’s contract was also extended until 2025 as part of the evaluation and vote by board members.
Following the vote, Maxey thanked the board and called himself a “product of Horry County Schools.”
“Since March 2020 we have experienced trying times but we have worked together,” Maxey said. “As long as we keep in front of us the most important thing that is providing a quality education to all of our students then we will continue to move forward.”
Maxey’s salary is in line with those of other superintendents across South Carolina, board members stressed, and the decision was not only driven by Maxey’s performance, but by data and comparisons to other districts in the state, vice chair Neil James said.
Board member David Cox pointed out counties with similar numbers of students but more than one school district and multiple superintendents who each make more than $180,000 per year to justify the vote and Maxey’s raise.
“Dr. Maxey’s job is hard and stressful,” Cox said. “We don’t want to lose him because of a few dollars.”
Maxey’s raise comes shortly after the board voted to spend more than $7 million on bonuses for staff members. Full-time staff are taking home an extra $750 and part-time staff and substitutes were awarded $350 after a board vote earlier this fall.
Board member Shanda Allen commented that while she supports Maxey and applauded him for a job well done, she wished the district could have given teachers more compensation.
This story was originally published November 16, 2021 at 12:19 PM.
