NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. — Hancock County Schools’ state-installed administration said the district added approximately $7.7 million in expenditures between fiscal years 2024 and 2025 during its first public meeting Monday night but excessive staff levels contributed to the current fiscal failure.
According to a state consulting team’s review, Hancock County Schools currently exceeds state staffing formula levels by 143 positions, which officials identified as the largest contributor to the district’s increased spending.
The new adminstration team met with residents to discuss the district’s financial situation and future outlook. Representatives from the West Virginia Department of Education and outside consultants addressed concerns about spending and staffing levels.
State Department of Education finance officer Uriah Cummings and consultant Jeff Davis of Educational Consultants LLC outlined challenges facing the district. Officials said the school system is expected to meet its February payroll but warned finances will remain tight moving forward.
The West Virginia Department of Education has monitored the district’s finances for the past three years. Officials cited several contributing factors to the financial strain, including increased staffing and construction projects that exceeded their original budgets.
