News Summary
John Cahill, the longtime athletic director at Myrtle Beach High School, has been placed on administrative leave due to an ongoing investigation into his job performance. This decision comes after he has been on leave since May. The investigation will look into concerns regarding his responsibilities, including heavily redacted documentation related to a photo incident. Cahill, who has been with the school since 2011 and received multiple accolades, remains barred from contacting school personnel during the investigation period.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – John Cahill, the longtime athletic director at Myrtle Beach High School, has been placed on administrative leave amid an ongoing investigation into his job performance. The decision was confirmed by Horry County Schools (HCS) on Friday, June 6, following an earlier notice that Cahill has been on leave since May 7.
The administrative leave will remain in effect until the investigation is concluded. During this period, Cahill is barred from returning to Myrtle Beach High School or any other school district property. Additionally, he is prohibited from contacting district employees, students, or their parents without prior permission from human resources or his supervisor. While on leave, Cahill is required to remain available during work hours.
Cahill’s personnel file contains documentation of his pay, evaluations, training completions, and two heavily redacted letters dated 2023, which are related to a photo of the boys volleyball team. Although he was evaluated most recently in May 2024 by Principal Kristin Altman, who reported that Cahill met job requirements and showed a commitment to the growth of athletic programs, questions surrounding his job responsibilities have led to the current investigation.
Professional Background and Contributions
Since taking on the role of athletic director at Myrtle Beach High School in 2011, Cahill has made significant contributions to the school’s athletic programs. Among his achievements is the establishment of a dance team and a boys volleyball team, enhancing the options available to student-athletes. His leadership abilities and community engagement were recognized in previous evaluations, including a positive review in 2021 from Principal Altman.
Cahill has received multiple accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious South Carolina state merit award from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association in 2025. His expertise and leadership have been acknowledged not just locally but also on a statewide level, making his current situation particularly noteworthy.
Details of the Investigation
While specific details of the investigation have not been disclosed, two letters from 2023 in Cahill’s personnel file reference concerns about a gesture made by a student-athlete in a photo. These letters are heavily redacted, limiting the information available about the precise nature of the concerns raised. Cahill has reportedly contested that the situation did not warrant a letter in his file and has requested its removal.
Compensation and Future Prospects
Cahill’s most recent compensation was $388.24 per day based on a 220-day work calendar. As an established figure in the school district, his position has significant implications for student-athletes and school spirit. However, HCS has not made clear whether Cahill’s contract, which is set to end on June 30, will be renewed following the investigation’s outcome.
The ongoing investigation into Cahill’s performance as athletic director underscores the complexities involved in school administration and the scrutiny that can arise from job-related responsibilities. As the situation develops, both students and faculty at Myrtle Beach High School are left awaiting clarity on the future of their athletic leadership.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach High School’s Athletic Director Placed on Paid Leave
- Wikipedia: Athletic Director
- My Horry News: Longtime Myrtle Beach High Athletic Director on Administrative Leave
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach High School athletic director
- Myrtle Beach Online: Myrtle Beach High School Athletic Director Investigation
- Google Scholar: Athletic Director Investigation
- My Horry News: John Cahill Named AD of the Year
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Athletic Director
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
