UPDATE — Hancock County Schools Superintendent Walt Saunders provided an update on personnel moves within the school district during Monday’s Hancock County Board of Education meeting. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND — The deadline for personnel decisions in Hancock County Schools is approaching, according to Superintendent Walt Saunders, who noted he continues to meet with faculty, staff, and administrators to prepare the district for the next school year amid continuing financial concerns.

Among the decisions announced Monday, which had already been approved by the West Virginia Superintendent of Schools and the West Virginia Board of Education, was the elimination of five primarily central office positions, including assistant superintendent, professional accountant, administrative assistant-human resources, safety coordinator, and nurse coordinator.

Saunders explained, following Monday’s meeting, that the decision to “abolish” the positions follows state code, as there are no plans to fill them for the time being.

“By code, you have to if you’re not going to fill them,” Saunders explained. “Abolish means they’re gone for the next school year. I can’t predict the future, but for the next year, those positions will not be filled.”

Saunders recently spent more than a week meeting with each school district employee potentially affected by the reductions in force or transfers being done to balance the district’s finances following the state school board’s decision to take over operations in connection with a multi-million-dollar deficit.

Officials have anticipated around 140 individuals could lose their jobs as a result.

Saunders noted Monday that the final deadline for notifications to go out and for hearing requests to be filed is April 1. In the meantime, discussions are being held to determine the needs of the district.

“I recently met with principals and directors to discuss staffing for the 2026-27 school year,” Saunders explained, noting directors will meet with central office officials following the district’s spring break to discuss staffing models based on student need. “At this point, nothing is set in stone regarding staffing.”

The state Department of Education has also offered its assistance in the development of class schedules, he announced, with principals having the opportunity to meet with state department employees.

“If support is offered to us, we’re going to take that,” he said.

Among other personnel moves announced Monday, Jennifer Marchese will move from assistant principal at Allison Elementary to director of personnel in the central office, with Erin Harvey, who has been serving as interim treasurer, moving to the post of chief school business official.

Resignations included Ashley Tharp as Oak Glen High assistant soccer coach; Kim Arnott, administrative assistant; Dee Chappell, substitute secretary; Richard Ambler, substitute custodian; and Jessica Mercer, custodian IV/GM-maintenance department.

Coaching assignments included Mark Shenton, assistant baseball at Oak Glen High; Christian Watkins, volunteer girls tennis at Oak Glen High; Robert Bozek, volunteer baseball at Oak Glen High; Howard Hartung, volunteer assistant softball at Oak Glen High; Amy Durkin, volunteer boys/girls tennis at Weir High; Danielle Taylor, volunteer boys/girls tennis at Weir High; Steve Kettler, boys tennis at Weir High; Heath Hildreth, volunteer baseball at Weir High; Christopher Hill, head football at Weir High; and Jessica Naughton, track at Weir Middle.

Maylin Rodriguez was assigned as a countywide substitute teacher.

Several requests for dock days were not approved, with Saunders indicating the requests were made fewer than two weeks prior to the time needed. Twenty-nine overnight and day trips were approved for student activities or employee training.