The State of West Virginia Department of Education voted unanimously this morning to assume control of operations of Hancock County Schools during its emergency meeting.
Walt Saunders from Ohio County Schools has been named as the new superintendent.
Below is the agenda for the meeting, and a copy of the letter sent by the superintendent requesting financial assistance for the remainder of the current academic year.
Additional information will be provided by the state Department of Education later today.
AGENDA
WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF EDUCATION
Capitol Building 6, Suite 600
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East Charleston, West Virginia
EMERGENCY MEETING
January 16, 2026 – 9:00 a.m.
I. Welcome – Pledge of Allegiance – Introductions – Call-to-Order L. Paul Hardesty, President
II. Approval of Agenda – (Action) President Hardesty
III. New Business
A. Hancock County Schools Report – (Action) Jeff Kelley and Uriah Cummings
Information will be provided regarding imminent material financial shortfalls present in the Hancock County School system that pose an immediate threat to the ongoing operation of the schools in Hancock County.
Discussion may involve an Executive Session as provided in W. Va. Code §6-9A4 [matters involving attorney‑client privilege per Peters v. County Commission, 205
W. Va. 481 (1999)], W. Va. Code §6-9A-4(b)(2)(A) [personnel exception], and/or §6-9A-4(b)(6), [privacy exception]. The Board majority must vote to have an Executive Session (no action will be taken during the Executive Session).
Motions, if any, will be determined at the meeting.
IX. Future Meetings – (Information)
President Hardesty
The next regular meeting will be held on February 11, 2026, in Charleston, West Virginia. X. Adjournment – (Action)
