HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. — Upset and concerned residents packed Monday night’s meeting of the Hancock County Board of Education, seeking answers about the possibility of school consolidation as the district faces mounting financial challenges.
During the meeting, Uriah Cummings, finance director for the West Virginia Department of Education, presented sobering financial information to board members and the public. Under the state’s current school funding formula, Hancock County receives funding for only 238 educator positions and 182 service personnel positions. However, the district currently employs a total of 574 people, meaning county government must help shoulder the cost of the unfunded positions.
Board members and administrators said declining student enrollment and rising personnel costs have pushed the district into a difficult financial position. Personnel expenses account for roughly 80 percent of the district’s overall budget, leaving little flexibility for other operational needs.
The possibility of consolidating schools has emerged as one option to address the shortfall, but the idea has sparked strong reaction from parents, staff and community members who fear the loss of neighborhood schools and longer travel times for students.
Several residents spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, urging the board to consider all alternatives before making any final decisions.
Board officials emphasized that no final action has been taken and said additional discussions and community input would be gathered before any formal proposals are made.
The Hancock County Board of Education is expected to continue conversations about consolidation and budget solutions in upcoming meetings as it works to address the district’s financial concerns.
