education

Forbes Names Horry County Schools Amongst Best Employers in SC

Annually, Forbes compiles a list of the best employers per each state. This year, after surveying 80,000 working Americans and over 500 employers, Horry County Schools was named the second-best employer in SC. Southeastern Freight Lines in Lexington took home the first place spot.

As a way of collecting data, the surveys are given through a rolling basis between October 2019 and May 2020. This year especially, it means so much to join the companies listed by Forbes. Within the questionnaire, employers are compared throughout the year “so as to account for any statistically significant variations in the results collected before and after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic,” explained Forbes.

While many companies have struggled to maintain over the course of 2020, Horry County Schools thrives as an employer. With over 5,101 working employees, the Horry County Schools seem to prioritize their staff. Superintendent Rick Maxey holds his seat throughout the Forbes award and calendar year.

In order to best collect the information for this market research study, Forbes partnered with Statista to hone in on the most well-liked organizations per each state. This is the second year such research has been conducted.

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CCU’s Plan to Return On-Campus

Instead of heading to campus like a typical year at Coastal Carolina University, students will begin their Fall 2020 semesters with online education until at least Sept. 8. After Thanksgiving break, classes will resume online. This decision came as a response to growing coronavirus case numbers in the South Carolina area.

Students have the option to forgo in-person learning for an entirely online semester. This academic plan was announced via a video on Tuesday, July 21. To follow, a 30-day video campaign launch fosters communication between staff and students. In the campaign, the campus safety measures are broken down for viewers.

According to CCU president, David DeCenzo, “the decision to delay in-person instruction for a few weeks provides us with the best scenario to safely resume on-campus operations. Upon our return to campus, it will be essential for all members of Teal Nation to wear face coverings inside buildings, practice physical distancing, and follow the protocols established in our Coastal Comeback Plan to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”

Those opting for the in-person plan will all be on campus by Sept. 4th at the latest. This optional second move-in allows residents to take their time in deciding what their next move is. Those that opt for a September move-in receive a two-week housing and dining credit incentive.

As of now, a plan for Spring 2021 is being crafted by DeCenzo and other CCU staff members. They will be gradually updating their reopening plans via the Coastal Comeback Plan website.

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Myrtle Beach Private Schools Plan To Reopen Next Month

While the Horry County public schools have opted for a September start, there are a few private schools that will be opening their doors come next month. Specifically, the Ascent Christian Academy in North Myrtle Beach will have in-person classes beginning August 17th. It seems traditional learning, with a few tweaks, will commence.

Precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are being put in place. Students and teachers will practice social distancing in common areas, as well as several hand sanitizer stations placed around the school. Water fountains will not be available for use.

“We’ve done so well with our preschool in keeping it safe and sanitized that I feel very confident opening back up August 17,” said Ann Black, the Ascent Christian Academy founder in reference to summer care programs.

The main reason Ascent Christian Academy feels comfortable opening is due to its small amount of attendees. With only 35 students and 10 staff members, parents feel more comfortable sending their kids to the classroom.

Because masks are not required, parents have the option to select online learning for their kids if they’re concerned. Students that are exposed will enter a mandatory quarantine for two weeks.