Newest Horry Board of Education member ‘a mom first and foremost’

The newest Horry County Board of Education member has seven months to learn as much as she can about the district’s inner workings, but she’s totally up for the challenge.

Kathy Richardson was appointed District 4 representative of the school board two weeks ago. She’ll serve for about seven months until an elected member starts their new term in January.

Richardson replaces Kay Loftus, who died late February after 14 years on the board. Richardson was appointed by an 8-1 vote during the board’s regular meeting. Three candidates were interviewed during the four-hour long meeting, and the board met in closed session to discuss the candidate interviews. David Cox, District 9 representative, abstained from the vote because he’s running for the District 4 seat.

“I thought this would be a really good way to stay involved and learn about the board,” Richardson said.

She was a key player in redrawing attendance lines for Ocean Bay Middle School several years ago, when the district considered splitting the Arrowhead community between the new school and Blackwater Middle. The district was close to approving the new lines when Richardson – and several other parents – stepped up and voiced their concerns.

That was the first time Richardson had taken a close look at the district’s operations, and since then she’s been interested in learning more about the school board.

“It really sparked my interest and started making me pay attention,” she said. “I’ve wanted to follow as much as I could.”

Richardson interviewed during a public board of education meeting – in front of district members and the full board of education – so her 8-1 nomination means most everyone believes she’s the best person for the job, said board member Sherrie Todd. Richardson’s detailed answers to the questions and promise to be a good steward of public money is icing on the cake for Todd.

That, and her ability to meet flexible deadlines and attend a barrage of meetings, Todd added.

“She’s going do a really good job,” Todd said. “I think she’ll serve our board best.”

Richardson has a degree in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston and has lived in District 4 for about 12 years. She has two sons in Horry County schools – one at River Oaks Elementary and the other at Ocean Bay Middle – and works as executive assistant to the CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

She said she’s excited about contributing as much as she can during her seven months on the board, especially since the district is in the midst of opening five new schools. Officials are still figuring out how to fund supplies needed for the schools – such as library books, furniture and art supplies – and how to rearrange attendance lines.

“I think the issues that will be discussed during my time on the board will be enough for seven months,” Richardson said. “I’m going to engage as much as I can.”

Overcrowding at area schools is another issue Richardson said has plagued the district, but the maintenance of aging facilities is another huge undertaking. She said that while five new schools are coming online soon, keeping an eye on older buildings must also be a priority.

Her previous experience fighting attendance lines, along with a genuine interest in what happens in District 4, qualifies her for the position, she said. She plans to make the best decisions for the board while still keeping her District 4 neighbors in mind, and her lack of politicking givers her an edge as well.

“You’re not as much of a politician in this role that people think you are,” she said.

This story was originally published June 4, 2016 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Newest Horry Board of Education member ‘a mom first and foremost’."