NEW CUMBERLAND — While no definitive decisions have been announced on any staffing or facility cuts as a result of budget difficulties being faced within Hancock County Schools, several residents appeared before the board of education Monday, expressing concern about the possibility of one elementary school being closed.

Several dozen residents gathered for Monday’s Hancock County Board of Education meeting, with five addressing the board directly, after financial concerns were revealed, with officials noting the possibility of large reductions in force within the district’s staff and potential school closures and consolidations to keep the budget balanced.

Four of those speaking focused their comments on the possibility of the school district opting to close New Manchester Elementary — one of two elementary schools serving the northern end of the county.

“My love for New Manchester runs very deep,” said Samantha Larrick, noting an uncle who was among the first students at the school, an aunt who has been a teacher and numerous other family members, herself and her children included, who have attended the school throughout its history. “It is one of the best schools in the state.”

Matthew Cole stated he had started a petition speaking against a decision to close any of the county’s schools, claiming 580 individuals had signed on as of Monday night. He offered criticism of the board, saying he feels there hadn’t been enough attention paid to the finances.

“This raises the critical question, where was the board’s oversight?” Cole said.

Cole also defended the academic record of New Manchester Elementary, citing assessment results placing it 22nd of 355 elementary schools in the state, with 74 percent reading proficiency and 64 percent math proficiency.

“The school has a proven track record of excellence,” he said.

Brianna Subrick has children who attend New Manchester and serves as a substitute teacher in the county. She said she knows of people who have selected their homes, or chosen to drive their children to school, to ensure they will attend New Manchester.

“Closing New Manchester would have a detrimental effect on the county,” she said.

However, she also called into question whether there was enough involvement from the board of education or superintendent in overseeing the financial aspects of the school district, saying it shouldn’t have just been put on the shoulders of the treasurer or finance director.

“Someone oversees him or her,” she said.

Marcus Dunlevy also raised questions about the managerial practices of the board in addressing financial matters.

“Where did the money go?” he asked. “These are not minor oversights.”

Dunlevy said if New Manchester Elementary is closed, it will put an additional burden on families and weaken the fabric of the community, demanding the school board offer a public explanation on the budget issues, conduct a complete public audit, outline measures to be taken to address the budgetary issues and not close any schools without having the public involved in the process.

“This community should not be punished for administrative mistakes,” he said.

Larrick agreed, saying the board of education should have known of any financial concerns prior to last month’s announcements.

“As a board, it is your responsibility to have that knowledge and use that knowledge,” Larrick said, recommending the board be “terminated” and for the school district to eliminate several higher-level administrative positions instead of looking at any school closure.

Superintendent Dan Enich previously noted the state Board of Education had extended its deadline on school closure decisions to the end of February

A fifth resident who addressed the board, Bethany Blewitt of Chester, focused her comments on transitional services — such as special education programs — and how they may be affected by the system’s budget issues.