Hancock school board to appeal ruling in employee grievance
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NEW CUMBERLAND -- The Hancock County Board of Education, by a 4-1 vote Monday, decided to appeal the decision of an administrative law judge presiding over an employee grievance filed against the board last year.
The vote followed an executive session of one hour and 27 minutes, during which the board spoke with its legal counsel concerning the grievance of Mick v. Hancock County Board of Education.
"He gave us a number of options," board President Danny Kaser noted prior to the vote.
Board member Michelle Chappell was the lone no vote on the motion to appeal.
The grievance was filed by current Oak Glen Middle Principal Alyssa Mick concerning the selection of former Weir Middle principal, Sarah Parsons, to serve as the district's director of personnel. Parsons was named to the position by the board during its June 28, 2021 meeting.
According to reports, the administrative law judge assigned to the case had ruled the board would have to rebid the position.
Following the meeting, Kaser, while not discussing details of the case, explained the board reviewed the grievance and the judge's ruling with counsel and were advised to appeal.
"He felt there was possibly some misinterpretation in there and we should appeal it," Kaser said.
Kaser noted education system employees have the right to file employee grievances under state code.
The board also spent 56 minutes in a separate executive session concerning three student disciplinary hearings. Votes were taken on the hearings during the executive session, which Kaser said is permitted in such matters under state code, with the decisions not announced publicly.
The board also approved several personnel matters Monday, as well as heard presentations on the school district's dyslexia screening program, a possible partnership with Special Olympics and the recognition of three art students from Oak Glen High School, as well as a request from the Hancock County Education Association concerning dental and vision benefits for current and retired employees.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)