Recommendations from State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt

CHARLESTON – The operations of Hancock County Schools will now be under the direct supervision of the West Virginia Department of Education, effective at the end of business today.

In an emergency meeting of the state Board of Education, members voted to vacate the positions of Hancock County Schools Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, both effective at 4 p.m. today, limit the authority of the Hancock County Board of Education, and appoint a new superintendent to answer directly to the state.

Walter Saunders, an administrator with Ohio County Schools, has been appointed by the state to serve as superintendent, effective at 4:01 p.m. today.

The move follows a series of financial issues within the local school district which, most recently led to the potential of the district not being able to meet payroll obligations.