HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. — New details are emerging about the financial practices of Hancock County Schools as the West Virginia Senate continues a cautious review of proposed legislation to provide emergency aid to financially distressed school districts.
West Virginia Department of Education officials told the House of Delegates Finance Committee on Thursday that Hancock County Schools issued bonuses to all employees twice a year, even as the district faced a multi-million-dollar budget deficit.
State officials also reported that county administrators failed to respond to monthly emails from the Department of Education that included detailed comparisons between projected budgets and actual spending.
During the committee hearing, the state schools superintendent warned lawmakers that difficult staffing decisions are likely ahead for Hancock County, describing the upcoming personnel season as challenging.
Hancock County Schools is currently under increased state oversight as lawmakers weigh whether to move forward with proposed financial assistance.
