There are a lot of challenges ahead for Hancock County in 2026. At this point the most pressing challenge is rectifying the financial crisis in the Hancock County School system.
…….Despite the meetings I’ve attended and the research I have done, I’m still baffled by many pieces of this puzzle.. The school system finds itself in a dire situation and the solution may have a negative effect on many aspects of our children’s education. School employees went on Christmas break not knowing if they would be one of those targeted through the reduction in force. The next Board meeting is not until January 12 so the media will not know what if any action is being taken before that time.
,,,,,,,The one part of the story I’m worried about is if the County or the State Board fails to pursue exactly how the school system ended up in this mess. Former CFO Joe Campinelli’s was terminated and has filed a grievance. The Grievance is currently a Stage 1 and has 20 days to be heard by the Superintendent. The Grievant can waive Stage 2 and progress to Stage 3 which is held before an Administrative Law Judge. I would bet that Campinelli does just that and more of the particulars may be known at that stage.
Here are my questions? Campinelli was allegedly turning monthly reports and the annual financial reports in late for quite a while. Why did his supervisors (the superintendent and the Board) not notice this before? Were they not aware? Should they have been aware? Did former superintendents and board members know he was doing that? If so, what is their culpability?
…….Why were members of the State Board not take notice of the situation and put Hancock County on notice way before it reached the crisis stage? Is it not in the State’s Board’s mission to oversee such matters?
…….There is a lack of transparency surrounding events which took place this summer and fall. We need a play-by-play accounting of who didn’t do what and why. Rumor has is that Board President Chris Gillete, was pushing for documents and answers and was not being provided them. Why?
……..I need more information on the funds that weren’t drawn down. Where are those funds now? Can they be recouped? What about paying for the Pyrite issue and repair to Oak Glen Middle School out of the general fund? I was told that the money to pay for that came out of the general fund rather than Levy funds. Can those funds now be repaid to the General Fund from the Levy funds?
…..I suspect when staff and students return after the holiday break, the State will have put a plan in place and may have taken over the School Board and Administration. I fear that a thorough investigation may not take place at that point.
…….We have a long way to go to restore faith in our school administration and school board and I would maintain that whomever is responsible is liable under State Code $15-16-6 which addresses “neglect of duty and failure to faithfully discharge the duties of the office.”
…….Hancock County needs and deserves accountability.
