Myrtle Beach High School's longtime athletic director is on administrative leave for "failure to complete job responsibilities," Horry County Schools confirmed Friday, June 6.
John Cahill has been on leave since May 7, an HCS spokesperson said, adding that the district does not comment further on personnel matters.
The letter in Cahill's personnel file states the administrative leave will continue until an investigation into the matter is complete.
And while on leave, Cahill must not return to the high school or enter any other school district property and he may not contact any district employees, students or their parents without prior permission. He must also be available during work hours.
Cahill's personnel file mostly includes documentation over the years of his pay, evaluations and completion of trainings.
The most recent evaluation in May 2024 by the school's principal Kristin Altman states that he met the requirements for the job.
"Mr. Cahill demonstrates a desire to continuously grow our athletic programs," Altman wrote in the evaluation. "Within the last two years, we have added a dance team and a boys volleyball team to our student offerings. Mr. Cahill seeks new ways to recognize the achievements of our student-athletes and further their academic success as well... ."
In a 2021 evaluation, Altman wrote: "Mr. Cahill demonstrates prowess in leadership. He continually focuses on opportunities to engage Myrtle Beach High School with our community and stakeholders. He completes tasks in a timely manner and understands the power of relationships."
Cahill's personnel file also includes two 2023 letters that are heavily redacted — one from Altman to Cahill over a "concern regarding a picture of the MBHS boys volleyball team" and another with Cahill's response to Altman.
The details of the letters are redacted, but Altman ends her letter stating if Cahill fails to follow HCS's policy or procedure, he may be subject to further disciplinary action.
Cahill responded, saying the photo included a "gesture" by a student-athlete and his letter provides information about how the photo was discovered on his phone. His letter accuses Altman's of inaccuracies in the timeline. Most of Cahill's letter is redacted. However, he ends the letter saying the situation did not warrant a letter in his personnel file.
"...there are many significant errors in this investigation related to my role, and I am requesting that it be removed," he wrote. "If Horry County Schools denies this [request], this rebuttal letter needs to be in companion to your letter of reprimand."
Cahill has won multiple statewide awards during his time at Myrtle Beach, including the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association SC .
Cahill has been the athletic director for Myrtle Beach High School since 2011. Most recently he's been making $388.24 per day, with a work calendar of 220 days, a document in his personnel file states.
Horry County Schools' contract years begin July 1, meaning Cahill's current contract would end June 30. HCS has not said if the district will renew his contract.
HCS's investigation is ongoing.
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