NEW CUMBERLAND – The process of reducing staffing within Hancock County Schools, made more imperative as a result of ongoing financial issues within the district, began this week.

Each school year, the district is required to determine potential reductions in force or personnel transfers. This year, officials anticipate around 140 Hancock County Schools employees could be affected by the process.

“It’s a tough process. It’s not a fun process,” Hancock County Schools Superintendent Walt Saunders said following today’s regular meeting of the Hancock County Board of Education.

Saunders explained he visited two of the county schools today, with the goal of going to the remaining five schools, the Maintenance and Transportation departments, Central Kitchen, and Central Office in the coming days.

He said his current goal is to visit with each individual affected by March 2.

“I will be meeting individuals,” he said, explaining some will be notified of a transfer of positions within the school district while others will learn they won’t be employed after the current school year. Letters have been prepared for each individual to explain their situation. “We’ll sit down and work through the letters.”

A Frequently Asked Questions section, with additional information concerning the RIF/Transfer process, has been added to the school district’s website to provide additional information for those affected.

A full report will be available in Tuesday’s print edition and online.