Hancock County Schools is grappling with a significant financial shortfall, prompting the elimination of positions and raising concerns about student safety.
At Monday night’s board of education meeting, members were informed that five central office positions have been abolished by the West Virginia Board of Education and the state superintendent as part of ongoing reduction-in-force actions.
The process is continuing, with April 1 set as the deadline for affected employees to receive notification and file any hearing requests.
Superintendent Walt Saunders said the district must address an estimated $5 million deficit and is working to make reductions based on student needs.
Meanwhile, local law enforcement officials are voicing concern over a separate proposal to cut three school resource officer positions — two from the county and one from the City of Weirton.
Weirton Police Chief Charlie Kush and Hancock County Sheriff Scott Gittings warned that eliminating the positions could put students at risk. The decision on school resource officers is being handled on a different timeline due to the officers’ employment through their respective police agencies.
