CHARLESTON – The operations of Hancock County Schools will now be under the direct supervision of the West Virginia Department of Education, effective at the end of business today.

In an emergency meeting of the state Board of Education, members voted to vacate the positions of Hancock County Schools Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, limit the authority of the Hancock County Board of Education and appoint a new superintendent to answer directly to the state.

The move follows a series of financial issues within the local school district which, most recently led to the potential of the district not being able to meet payroll obligations.