Hancock County Schools

05/27/2026

05/14/2026

Koi Martsoff, a 6th grade student at Oak Glen Middle School — is our Bus All-Star
Of the week

05/14/2026

This is our second plea to our community to please slow down, stay alert, and make safe decisions around school buses.

The attached video shows a vehicle illegally driving through a stopped bus stop arm while a student was preparing to cross the roadway. Thankfully, the student in this video — Koi Martsoff, a 6th grade student at Oak Glen Middle School — followed proper crossing procedures and waited for the driver’s signal before crossing the road. Because he stayed attentive and self-aware, a dangerous situation did not become a tragedy.

For that reason, Koi is our Bus All-Star of the Week. He did exactly what students are taught to do: stop, pay attention, and watch the driver for the signal that it is safe to cross. We are proud of him for making smart decisions and staying aware of his surroundings.

I also want to recognize his regular driver, Mike Clark, for consistently teaching and reinforcing safe bus procedures, and Larry Shane, who was driving the bus that day and made sure our student got home safely.

Our drivers and aides work extremely hard every day to protect children. They cannot do it alone. We need the community’s help. Please slow down around buses, eliminate distractions, and remember that a few seconds of impatience can change lives forever.

I also want to thank our local law enforcement agencies for the tremendous support they have shown in investigating these incidents. Their partnership has been invaluable. However, our goal is not simply enforcement after the fact — it is preventing these situations from happening in the first place.

Please help us keep our kids safe. @

04/24/2026

Monday Nights Board Meeting Information.

_______________________________________________________________________
Microsoft Teams meeting

Join:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/21239528675536?p=4Oz45MvgcPsrwosjGW

Meeting ID:
212 395 286 755 36

Passcode:
vN7NS6w7

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Dial in by phone

+1304-553-7794,,660944353 #

Phone conference ID: 660 944 353 #

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04/22/2026

A review of materials for the April 20, 2026, service personnel hearings found that recent reduction in force letters did not include specific written statements of cause, despite those reasons being communicated verbally. Based on legal guidance, the hearings were postponed, revised letters were reissued to affected service employees, and hearings have been rescheduled for April 30, with a possible continuation on May 1.

Several professional employees have since raised questions regarding their letters. In response to those concerns, and out of an abundance of caution, Hancock County Schools is conducting an additional review of professional personnel letters. Any letters requiring clarification will be revised and reissued to the affected employees. This additional review is being undertaken to ensure employee concerns are addressed and to maintain continued compliance with applicable legal and policy requirements.

04/19/2026

A review of materials prepared for service personnel hearings scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, identified a concern. While the reasons for reduction in force were explained to employees during the notification process, recent reduction in force letters issued to service employees did not include specific written statements of cause or causes for the recommended action.

Based on legal guidance, it was recommended that the April 20 hearings be postponed and that revised letters be issued to include the reasons for the proposed reduction in force recommendations. Because transfer letters contained the specific written statements of cause or causes, they will not be reissued. All hearings have been rescheduled for April 30, 2026, with a possible continuation on May 1,2026, if needed. Superintendent Walt Saunders and central office staff will reissue revised letters to all affected service employees beginning Monday, April 20, 2026.

This issue does not impact any professional personnel staff or hearings that were completed last week.
These actions reflect a commitment to clear and transparent communication with stakeholders and adherence to applicable policy and state law. As a result, final action on all personnel matters will occur following completion of the rescheduled hearings.

04/13/2026

Thursday, April 23, 2026
11-2:00pm
Call 304-232-1260 to make an appointment

04/07/2026

Dissertation defenses are almost completed so we couldn’t forget our last few Cohort 1 Highlights! 🖤💛

03/23/2026

Monday March 23, 2026 Regular Meeting Information.
________________________________________________________________________________
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22057219998115...
Meeting ID:
220 572 199 981 15
Passcode:
ye2ST9Vp
________________________________________
+1 304-553-7794,,97349220 #
United States, Charleston
973 492 20 #
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