NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. — Hancock County Schools has begun the process of reducing approximately 140 positions as part of efforts to address a multi-million-dollar deficit that led to a state takeover earlier this year.
Superintendent Walt Saunders started visiting schools Monday to meet individually with affected employees by March 2. The visits will extend to all seven county schools plus the Maintenance and Transportation departments, Central Kitchen and Central Office.
Some employees will be notified of transfers to different positions within the district, while others will learn their employment ends after the current school year. Individual letters have been prepared explaining each person’s situation.
The West Virginia Board of Education cited the employment of roughly 140 individuals beyond what the district should have under the state’s school aid funding formula as one reason for taking oversight of Hancock County Schools. State officials have tasked Saunders with eliminating those positions to balance the budget.
The reduction would bring staffing in line with the state aid formula, resulting in few or no personnel being supported by other operational dollars under the district’s General Fund.
To assist affected employees, the district has added a Frequently Asked Questions section to its website at https://boe.hancock.k12.wv.us/page/faq. Current topics include information on reductions in force, transfers, email access, seniority tie-breaker policies, tax forms and paycheck access. The site will also include a feature allowing employees to submit questions.
Saunders urged patience as the process continues and encouraged everyone to verify information and its source when seeking answers.
