HANCOCK COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Hancock County Schools may be unable to make payroll for the second pay period in January, according to a letter sent to state education officials by the district’s superintendent.
The warning has raised concerns among educators about the financial stability of the school system and what the situation could mean moving forward.
In a letter dated Jan. 6 and obtained by LOOTPRESS, Hancock County Schools Superintendent Dan Enich detailed the district’s financial position, writing, “There is a great possibility that we will not be able to meet payroll for the second pay in January of 2026.”
The letter was addressed to the West Virginia Department of Education, requesting a state aid advancement of approximately $475,000 to help cover payroll obligations.
According to the information outlined in the correspondence, the district could run out of available cash as early as the week of Jan. 25, with no positive balances projected at any point in February.
Enich also provided a statement to Hancock County Schools employees addressing the situation.
In that message, he said, “We are working closely with the WVDE. They have noted to me that they will keep me updated on my request. We are communicating with them daily. As soon as I have updated information to share with everyone, I will do so immediately. We continue to work with Jeff Davis (Educational Consultants, LLC) with all the finance issues, which includes this current matter, budgets, and a long-range solution for the county.”
District officials have not announced any immediate changes to operations, but the situation remains under close review as discussions with state officials continue.
The full letter may be viewed below:
“Dr. Blatt,
Please use this email as my formal request, on behalf of Hancock County Schools, for a state aid advancement to our school system. You may recall that we are scheduled to meet with your team on January 13, 2026, to discuss our financial situation and our ability to meet payroll in the coming months.
As per our projections as of January 5, 2026, (based on Educational Consultants, LLC/Jeff Davis) 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. Mr. Davis projected the original timeframe for a state aid advancement was for February 2026. Since then, we are still waiting for an approximate $475,000 drawdown to reach us. That is why January’s second payroll may be in jeopardy. In the event that the $475,000 drawdown reaches us before January 19th, 2026. my request would be for the February 2026 payrolls.
At this time, we are selectively paying vendors based on the availability of funds. The most recent cash flow chart from Mr. Davis is attached.
Please note, if there is any part of the language of this request that needs corrected or adjusted, please let me know. I will make any correction necessary to complete the process.
Thank You,
Dan Enich
Superintendent
Hancock County Schools.”
