Louis Patrick Palm
For Horry County School Board (District 1)
Contact
Service. Leadership. Students First.
About the Candidate
Louis Patrick “Lou” Palm is a dedicated public servant, seasoned leader, and proud Army veteran with a lifelong commitment to service, accountability, and community.
Lou retired from the United States Army after 27 years of distinguished service. His military career culminated at the highest levels of national leadership as the Special Forces Sergeant Major on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, where he played a key role in advising senior leaders and supporting critical national security operations. Throughout his career, Lou developed a reputation for strong leadership, strategic thinking, and mission-focused execution.
Following his military service, Lou continued his commitment to public safety and preparedness. He worked as an emergency response exercise designer supporting agencies including the Department of Energy and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, helping ensure readiness for complex, high-risk scenarios. He later served as Director of the Exercise Branch for the California Office of Homeland Security, where he led large-scale training initiatives designed to strengthen coordination between state and local agencies.
Lou’s passion for service extended into disaster response and humanitarian work. He served as a Disaster Response Manager with the American Red Cross and as a leader with Team Rubicon, deploying to assist communities during times of crisis and recovery.
Today, Lou brings that same level of dedication and leadership to Horry County. He resides in North Myrtle Beach with his wife, Donna, and their Yorkie, Littleman. He is committed to strengthening local schools, supporting educators, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Platform
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Students First
Lou believes every decision should begin with one question: What is best for our students? He is committed to creating a student-centered environment where safety, learning, and opportunity come first.
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Expanding Learning Opportunities
Lou supports enhancing academic programs, career and technical education, and extracurricular opportunities to better prepare students for college, careers, and life. He believes in equipping students with both practical skills and critical thinking abilities.
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Supporting Teachers and Staff
Recognizing that strong schools depend on strong educators, Lou advocates for providing teachers and staff with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
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Transparency and Accountability
Lou is committed to open, honest communication with parents, educators, and taxpayers. He supports clear reporting on how funds are allocated and spent, ensuring accountability at every level.
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Fiscal Responsibility — No Tax Increases
Lou believes in responsible budgeting and maximizing existing resources to meet the needs of students and schools—without increasing the tax burden on residents.