DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE — Hancock County Board of Education President Chris Gillette, left, and Superintendent of Schools Dan Enich listen during a special school board meeting held Friday to discuss pending grievances filed against the board and related litigation. No action was taken by the board on the agenda items. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND – In the midst of ongoing reviews of its budget for the current and previous fiscal years, Hancock County Schools now finds itself needing assistance to meet its payroll obligations.

In an email sent Tuesday to West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt, a copy of which was obtained by The Weirton Daily Times, Hancock County Schools Superintendent noted, based on projections made Monday, “there is a great possibility that we will not be able to meet payroll for the second pay in January of 2026, which must be processed January 19, 2026.”

Originally, local officials had anticipated needing an advancement of funds for the county district’s February payroll.

In his email, Enich indicated the need for the earlier assistance was the result of the school district still awaiting a drawdown of funds of approximately $475,000.

“That is why January’s second payroll may be in jeopardy. In the event that the $475,000 drawdown reaches us before January 19, 2026, my request would be for the February 2026 payrolls.”

Speaking Friday afternoon, following a special school board meeting, Enich noted he and other local school officials are set to meet by video conference Tuesday with state Department of Education officials to discuss the district’s needs and find a plan to move the district forward, while keeping its finances stable for the remainder of the school year.

“Our most acute need right now is the February payroll,” Enich said. “We feel confident we’re going to work with the state and get a solution to that.”

About the possibility the state may not be able to provide the needed assistance, Enich said he is hopeful a solution can be found among those involved in the discussions and there won’t be any need for additional action.

“I’m confident we’re going to find a Plan A,” Enich said.

Enich also said the February payroll is the main concern, noting current calculations show tax collections and other regular revenue sources are anticipated to carry the school district through the remainder of the year.

“February is the gap month,” Enich said.

While the reviews and debates over the financial picture continue, Hancock County Schools is selectively paying its vendors based on the availability of funds.

“After reading the letter from Superintendent Enich to State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt, the urgency of this financial crisis in Hanock County became even more apparent. After hearing reports from Delegate (Pat) McGeehan, we thought we would have more time before payroll was in question, but yesterday’s letter brought to our attention that payroll for the end of this month was in jeopardy and vendors were already being paid strategically. Education West Virginia – Hancock is hopeful that the state approves Mr. Enich’s request (and as quickly as possible given the anxiety this situation is causing employees) but we will still have concerns about future payroll obligations and monitor the situation closely,” said Molly Cribbs, co-president of Education West Virginia – Hancock, the association which represents educators in the county, in a statement received Friday night. “Thinking ahead, an equally important issue is how job cuts (RIFs and transfers) will affect our staff and our students. We have heard employees will be notified the first week of February where those cuts are to take place. It is unfortunate that so many teachers, aides, cooks, drivers, counselors and other school staff who are with students daily will likely see the brunt of these reductions. Of course, Education WV Hancock will fight to protect our members’ rights as well as their ability to continue to serve the students in our communities.”

As for the ongoing financial reviews, by Educational Consultants LLC, Enich said a final report should be ready in time for the Hancock County Board of Education’s regular meeting on Jan. 26.

“We’re going off his calculations and his readiness,” Enich said.

Led by Jeff Davis, a former financial officer with Tyler County Schools, the study includes a review of the current school year’s fiscal budget, as well as two previous years’ budgets, with a goal of providing projections for future school years.

The process also includes the input of local budget data into the West Virginia Educational Information System, to allow state officials to have improved financial information.