Hancock County Schools Secures February Pay While Lawmakers Debate Funding Plan
West Virginia’s Hancock County Schools will meet payroll for February after education officials secured an advance on state funding, ending immediate concerns about delayed paychecks. State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt confirmed that the state auditor and treasurer worked together to release Hancock County’s June state aid early. That money will cover all staff salaries this month, including teachers and support personnel.
Officials expect local tax revenue arriving in March to help keep the district afloat. They noted that by May, some payroll costs may require additional support, but that remains uncertain. Hancock County faces a projected shortfall of roughly $3.1 million by the end of the fiscal year.
The crisis stems from long-standing financial issues that first surfaced publicly in September. The state Board of Education took control of Hancock County Schools on January 16 after finding the district in serious financial distress. Two emergency funding measures from the state legislature aim to address the problem. House Bill 4574 would create a “Temporary Shortfall Supplement Fund” to issue loans to financially troubled districts. Meanwhile, House Bill 4575 would provide an $8 million supplemental appropriation to support that fund. Both bills passed the House quickly but now face slower review in the Senate.
Blatt explained that the financial trouble in Hancock is partly due to staffing decisions made after the end of federal COVID-19 relief funding. The district kept 143 positions above what the state funding formula allows, using federal relief funds that have since expired. Officials did not reduce staff in time, contributing to the deficit. Hancock County is under investigation to determine the causes of the mismanagement.
During the Senate Education Committee meeting, lawmakers heard testimony on House Bill 4574, which would let distressed or maladministrated school systems borrow money with conditions to repay with interest. The bill includes requirements for financial reporting and transparency, and it allows for removal or disqualification of officials responsible for financial mismanagement. The committee took no immediate action on the bill.
The situation in Hancock County reflects broader financial pressures on rural school districts across West Virginia. Superintendent Blatt mentioned that other counties also struggle with transportation and special education costs. Reductions in force and careful budgeting are expected to help Hancock County stabilize long term, but lawmakers, educators, and community members continue working on solutions.