David Cox not running for re-election to Horry County Board of Education

David Cox, vice chairman of the Horry County Board of Education, will not seek a third term this year.

Cox was elected to the board in 2008, and during his campaign he promised to only seek two terms. He’s sticking to that promise.

“Eight years is enough,” Cox said. “I’ve always believed in term limits.”

Cox represents District 9, which includes Green Sea Floyds, Loris and North Myrtle Beach. He said he wanted to give other candidates an early notice so anyone who wishes to run for his seat can make their decisions by the filing deadline. Filing for all open board seats is March 16-30, according to the Horry County Elections Commission.

Joe DeFeo, board chairman, said Cox served as one of the most conservative voices on the board.

“We have not voted the same in every case over the years, but we certainly have agreed most of the time,” DeFeo said.

Cox was nominated for vice chairman a year and a half ago by board member John Poston and unanimously appointed by the whole board, DeFeo said.

“That will give you an idea of the support that he had from other board members,” DeFeo added.

Six board seats are up for re-election in November, including the one that was held by the late Kay Loftus. Loftus died Feb. 29, and the board is still discussing how to fill her seat, whether through an election or board appointment.

During his eight years on the board, Cox said he’s learned how much teamwork and cooperation is needed to keep the district afloat. He ran his campaign with the slogan “There’s no I in school board,” and he’s found that to be true over and over again.

“We have to work together,” he said. “If my constituents have a problem, and I can’t fix it, I can make it known to the people who can.”

Some of his proudest accomplishments stem from the construction of several new schools and property tax reduction for residents. He’s also proud of the district’s improved rating statewide and nationally; over the years Horry County Schools has scored and maintained a “B” or above on the state’s district report card.

“Just over the eight years I’ve been there, we’ve improved so much,” he said. “We’re first in the state for so many things.”

Five other seats are up for re-election in November, including DeFeo’s chairman seat. DeFeo said he plans to run for a second term as chairman, “unless something changes in the next two weeks.” The other seats:

Loftus’ vacant seat, District 4

Janice Morreale, District 5

John Poston, District 8

Jeffrey Garland, District 11

Cox said he hopes his replacement has the same conservative values and keeps the interests of the children, parents and teachers on his or her mind. He hopes the winning candidate keeps the “interests of the district” at heart and doesn’t use the position for personal gain.

“I don’t want someone who’s in it for personal gain, or who uses it to further their agenda with the state School Board Association,” he said.

This story was originally published March 9, 2016 at 2:51 PM with the headline "David Cox not running for re-election to Horry County Board of Education."