About HCS
Page Navigation
- Welcome
- Our Schools
- Superintendent
- School Administrators
- The Person Behind the Title Video Series
- Board of Education
- Advisory Boards
- Community Resources
- School Improvement Council
- HCS Calendars
- 2022 Annual Report
- HCS Parent Student Guide
- Quick Facts 2023
- District Strategic Plan
- HCS Highlights
- School Report Cards
- Freedom of Information Request
- Media Contacts
- Internet Use Policy
- Website Policies
- Comments or Concerns
- Contact Us
- Horry County Schools
- Superintendent
HCS Superintendent
-
Rick Maxey, Ph.D.
With 35 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership, Dr. Rick Maxey was appointed the Acting Superintendent of Horry County Schools on January 1, 2015, and then was named Superintendent on June 15, 2015. Dr. Maxey was the Deputy Superintendent for HCS for more than three years, where he supervised District Operations in the areas of facilities, food services, student affairs, and transportation.
Dr. Maxey has a foundation of educational leadership experience, having been HCS Executive Director for both middle and secondary schools. At the district level, he also served as a Principal Specialist for Support Services, where he supervised the Department of Special Education.
Before he began working as a district-level administrator, Dr. Maxey was the principal of Conway High School for five years (2000-2005) and of Carolina Forest High School for two years (1998-2000). He also served as assistant principal and technology coordinator at Loris High School after six years of teaching English at the school. Prior to beginning his career in secondary education, Dr. Maxey was an Instructor of English at both Presbyterian College and Clemson University. Dr. Maxey earned master’s and doctoral degrees in Educational Leadership from the University of South Carolina. He also earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in English from Clemson University.
Dr. Maxey and his wife, Vencie, are career educators. They are the parents of two adult sons.
![]() |
Rick MaxeyTitle: Superintendent of SchoolsDepartment: Office of Superintendent Division of: Office of Superintendent Location: District Office |
 843-488-6716  RMaxey@horrycountyschools.net |
![]() |
Heidi OatesTitle: Executive Assistant - Superintendent/BoardDepartment: Office of Superintendent Division of: Office of Superintendent Location: District Office |
 843-488-6717  HOates@horrycountyschools.net |
About Horry County Schools
-
Horry County Schools is inspiring possibilities for student success through a broad range of unique teaching and learning opportunities.
Horry (pronounced O-Ree) County Schools is made up of 56 schools within nine attendance areas: Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Green Sea Floyds, Loris, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, and St. James. Horry County Schools has more than 45,000 students and is South Carolina’s third-largest school district.
-
Our Vision
Horry County Schools' vision is to be a premier, world-class school system in which every student acquires an excellent education. Our schools will be welcoming centers organized around high-quality teaching and learning.