AGREEMENT REACHED — The Hancock County Board of Education convened in special session Monday night, going into executive session for four hours before announcing a tentative agreement in the grievance case of Mick vs. Hancock County Board of Education. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND — After more than a year of hearings and negotiations, a tentative agreement has been reached for a grievance filed over a central office position within the Hancock County School District.

The Hancock County Board of Education convened into a special meeting Monday night, approving a series of personnel moves ahead of the beginning of the 2022-23 school year and then going into executive session for four hours.

Following the executive session, the board announced a tentative resolution in the grievance of Mick vs. Hancock County Board of Education.

School Board President Chris Gillette read from a statement, noting the agreement was formed on the advice of the board’s legal counsel and discussions with Alyssa Mick, Ph.D., and her attorney, Alex Risovich.

“The parties will reach a formal resolution in the next couple of days,” Gillette said.

Gillette thanked Mick for her service to the district, and Risovich for his work during the grievance process.

Mick, the current principal of Oak Glen Middle School, filed the grievance in July 2021, following 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 school board during its June 28, 2021 meeting

According to reports, an administrative law judge assigned to the case had ruled the board would have to rebid the position. However, the school board, by a 4-1 vote in March, opted to appeal the judge’s decision.

Neither party involved in the issue provided any details on the tentative agreement Monday, saying some aspects still needed to be addressed to finalize the resolution.

Risovich expressed appreciation to the board for taking time to listen to Mick’s side of the issue.

“I appreciate the board meeting with us today,” Risovich said. “I think the resolution we came to today is great strides to making my client whole.”

Following the meeting, Gillette explained the executive session provided an opportunity to get the board’s three new members — Ed Fields, Gerard Spencer and Jim Horstman — up to speed on the case, while also providing Mick and Risovich time to address the board directly.

“We’ve been up to this for a year and a half,” Gillette said. “We’re pretty happy with the settlement we have.”

The three new members filled seats previously held by Danny Kaser, who lost re-election in May, as well as Toni Hinerman and Michelle Chappell, both of whom opted not to seek another term.

The board has scheduled another special meeting, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, in the Weir High School Theater.

The agenda includes discussion and possible action on the excess levy ballot, and various personnel moves.