NEW CUMBERLAND – After months of accusations revolving around an ongoing grievance case, members of the Hancock County Board of Education are hoping to clear the air on some of the issues being discussed by county residents.

Near the end of Monday’s school board meeting, board President Danny Kaser requested Superintendent Dawn Petrovich prepare a report to showcase the duties and operations of the board, including the holding of meetings, employee oversight, legal responsibilities, budgetary powers and the county’s grievance process.

“It’s time the public is aware of this,” Kaser said. “There’s so much misinformation out there.”

Kaser said the request follows comments he has heard made throughout the county, including during a recent visit to a local barber shop where he was asked questions by another patron.

“I think it’s time we educate the public,” Kaser said.

The report is set for a presentation at the board’s May 9 meeting, which is set for 5 p.m. at the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center. Both Kaser and board member Larry Shaw, though, said if Petrovich needs to present the report over multiple meetings, it would be acceptable.

Kaser and Shaw were the only board members to attend Monday’s meeting in person, with board member Toni Hinerman participating by phone.

In recent weeks, residents have called into question the board’s actions in respect to the grievance case of Mick v. Hancock County Board of Education, filed by Oak Glen Middle Principal Alyssa Mick concerning the selection of former Weir Middle principal Sarah Parsons as the school district’s director of personnel in June 2021.

The school board, on March 14, voted 4-1 to appeal the decision of an administrative law judge assigned to the grievance.

Earlier in the meeting, the board heard from long-time Oak Glen High School teacher Cynthia Nelson, who took issue with residents questioning the board’s use of outside legal counsel for the grievance instead of using the county prosecutor’s office.

“There are specializations for a reason,” Nelson said, adding it is her understanding that while the prosecutor’s office is available, there is nothing requiring the school board to use its services.

Nelson also spoke in support of members of the board in reference to a recent vote on no confidence by the Hancock County Education Association, calling into question the results of the vote by saying teachers and staff at two of the county’s schools did not participate.

She applauded the work and dedication of Kaser, Shaw, Hinerman and Petrovich.

“None of these four individuals make decisions without steadfast research,” Nelson said.