Education West Virginia–Hancock County acknowledges the seriousness of the ongoing financial and administrative challenges facing Hancock County Schools following the recent intervention by the West Virginia Department of Education. The uncertainty surrounding staffing reductions, transfers, and the future of public education in our county has created significant concern among professional and service personnel, students, parents, and the broader community.
Education West Virginia–Hancock County is especially concerned about questions involving the application of employee seniority rights during the RIF process. Seniority protections exist for a reason. They provide consistency, transparency, and fairness during difficult personnel decisions. Any deviation from established law and policy undermines employee confidence and risks further destabilizing our schools during an already difficult period. As some employees draw for seniority placement on Monday, May 11, we will be in attendance with our members and consider all avenues for their due process moving forward.
