The Hancock County School Board met March 20 to accept the resignation of Board Member Gerard Spencer and to set the parameters for Spencer’s replacement
Spencer will retire from his position as Sargeant with the Weirton Police Dept. as well as his Board of Education seat, to take the position of countywide School Safety Coordinator with the Hancock County School system.
Superintendent Dan Enich praised the contribution Spencer had made during his tenure on the Board, but said he looks forward to having Spencer as a full-time employee overseeing the safety of the students and employees of Hancock County Schools.
Board President Chris Gillette said it was his belief that since Spencer had been elected from Butler District his replacement should come from Butler County. Board member Jim Horstman who is also from Weirton echoed Gillette’s beliefs. Longtime Board member Ed Fields who has been both elected and appointed disagreed. He said that the law only stipulates that you cannot have three delegates from one district. That would mean candidates from Grant and Butler Districts are eligible for the seat,
Board member Randy Swartzmiller agreed with Fields saying that the Board should seeking the most qualified person regardless of where they come from and the process should have full transparency.
Should the Board be split on a 2-2 vote for the new Board member, the names go to the State School Board Superintendent who makes the final selection.
The advertisement began March 21 and interested applicants from Grant or Butler Magisterial District should send a letter of interest to Board President Chris Gillege at 164 Valley Way Weirton, 26034 by March 28. Interview will held that day at a time to be determined.
The advertisement follows:
“The Hancock County (WV) Board of Education is seeking an applicant to fill the unexpired term of a board member which became vacant on 3/10/25. Any interested Hancock County (WV) resident can send a letter of interest to Chris Gillette, President of the Hancock County Board of Education. Please send that letter to 164 Valley Way, Weirton, WV 26062. Those letters need to reach Mr. Gillette by Friday March 28, 2025. If you have any questions, please call 724-554-4199.“
