EVALUATING THE FORMULA — As part of Monday’s meeting of the Hancock County Board of Education, county school officials discussed ongoing efforts to attract individuals to work as mechanics for the school district. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND – Hancock County Schools officials are looking for a few good mechanics, and are working on some possible solutions to fill the current vacancies.

The issue of vacancies for mechanics in the school district was raised by school officials and board members in November, when it was noted the district had been outsourcing many of their vehicle maintenance services.

During Monday’s meeting of the Hancock County Board of Education, officials took a step in the process they hope will help to address the issue by approving a revised supplemental salary schedule and a revised co-curricular payscale.

“That’s step one,” explained Director of Finance Joe Campinelli.

As part of the supplemental salary schedule adjustment, the board agreed to offer a scale of additional pay increases for certain certifications held by mechanics working for the school district.

Campinelli and Superintendent Dan Enich also announced they are working with legal counsel on the development of a policy – whether revamping an existing policy or creating a new one – which would allow the district to take prior experience in certain fields into account when offering a salary.

This would be focused primarily on service personnel, they indicated, with Campinelli explaining existing staff would be affected retroactively if such a policy is implemented.

“It’s not just for new people,” Campinelli said. “It’s for current people too.”

Enich said all counties in West Virginia face similar issues, having difficulties filling vacancies in various fields, with people often looking to the private sector instead of government-based positions.

“The bottom line is we’re in competition with all the workforce out there,” Enich said. “We’re fighting the same competition all the other counties are fighting.”

Assistant Superintendent Dave Smith agreed.

“We are begging people to come into the county,” Smith said.

Campinelli indicated officials have reached out to Rosedale Tech and other schools in an effort to recruit mechanics, with little response.

In other business, Monday, the board of education approved:

The assignment of Deborah Mahoney and Douglas Jackson as countywide substitute teachers, effective Dec. 4, for the 2024-25 school year;

Rescinded the assignment of Laura McMillin as a mentor at Oak Glen High School;

Approved the resignation of George Martich as assistant boys’ track coach at Weir Middle, and the assignment of Patrick McGillian as assistant wrestling coach at Oak Glen High and Nicole Seckman as assistant girls’ track coach at Weir Middle;

Approved dock days from Dec. 12-20 for Stephanie Richards as Cook II at Weirton Elementary for medical reasons; a leave of absence for Misty Still, bus operator, from a half day on Nov. 22 through the end of the day on Jan. 3, for medical reasons;

Approved Teyona Jones as substitute cook, Patricia Davis as substitute custodian, Debora L. Bowen as substitute aide, and Brooke Boni as substitute aide for the 2024-25 school year;

Approved the resignation of Terry Scott as bus operator, and the retirements of Ronald Lesky as bus operator and Jill Wedge as custodian at Allison Elementary;

Approved the transfer of James M. Orr from Custodian II at the Transportation Department and New Manchester Elementary to Custodian II at Oak Glen High School;

Approved Stacie Fouty Upright as a volunteer for the Weir High School Dance Team for the 2024-25 school year, and the addition of two Academic Games assistants for the school year.

The board also approved the adult program strategic plan for the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center, which is needed for its continued accreditation in its nursing and commercial drivers’ license programs.