Hancock school board honors retirees, approves 2026-27 salary schedule

The Hancock County Board of Education met Thursday, May 14, at Hancock County High School for its regular monthly meeting and a staff retirement recognition ceremony.

Anita Lamar, Diana Lyddane, Sona Miller, Rhonda Adkins, Donald York, Lisha Williamson and Judy White were recognized during the staff retirement ceremony.

The board approved the 2026-27 salary schedule, which includes a 2% raise for all positions.

The board also approved a tentative budget for the 2027 fiscal year.

Activity fund budgets were approved for each school. These school activity accounts are reviewed and adopted each year at the May meeting.

The board approved the Principals Combined Budget, which consolidates the activity accounts from each school into a single districtwide budget.

The 2026-27 school fees list was approved, which remains unchanged from the 2025-26 school year.

The board renewed its annual agreement with Family Healthcare, continuing the partnership that provides school-based health services for students and staff. Board members said the collaboration remains beneficial for students, employees and the district as a whole.

The board approved a new maintenance apprenticeship program, modeled after the district’s existing technology apprenticeship program but based in the Maintenance Department. The paid apprenticeship will give students real-world work experience while they complete their high school coursework.

The board approved a new First Financial credit card program that will replace the district’s current cards and banking platform. The First Financial credit card application will be used as existing cards expire.

The board confirmed start and dismissal times for the 2026-27 school year. Members approved the same instructional day calendar adopted in December, keeping start and end times at all schools the same as in 2025-26.

Bids for maintenance supplies were likewise accepted after comparing vendor track records, pricing and service.

In addition, the board approved fuel bids, again weighing cost, reliability and service when choosing providers.

The board added one hour per day to the assistant food service manager’s contract at Hancock County High School to support after-school meal service.

The board approved a new Ricoh copier lease that consolidates all district copier agreements into a single five-year contract. The bulk lease is expected to save the district money and lock in pricing for the full term.

The Inspire Award recipients for the 2025-26 school year were Janna Burton, Austin Poole, Cindy Thorp, Cassey Baker, Jennifer Williamson, Kelly Corley, Dr. Jordan Rhodes, Shane Luttrell, Brittany Fowler, Sarah Greathouse, Wes Meserve, Elaine Dawson, Aimee Estes, John Marvel, Janine Wilson, Carla Stinnett and Renae Fleming.