Lincoln County hearing spotlights proposal to cut two West Hamlin preschool positions amid enrollment decline

Administration presented county enrollment figures and asked the Lincoln County Board of Education to cut two preschool positions at West Hamlin as part of broader personnel reductions driven by state aid formulas.

Tina Atkins, testifying as an administrative witness, told the board that “In October of ’25 we had a total of 2,638 students county wide. Our current enrollment as of this morning was 2,590 students. That means we've lost 48 students since October 1st.” Atkins said the district was 30 teachers and 68 service personnel over formula — “98 total” — and described that gap as roughly a $5 million funding shortfall. Administration said it was requesting the board cut 24 professional positions and 17 service positions this personnel season; the administration estimated the service-position reductions would save about $2,325,000.

The administration emphasized that the recommendation was based on the numbers currently available and on statutory timing: state code requires cuts for the next school year to be made by May 1, and the district can rescind a cut later if enrollment increases and the board restores the position by the date cited in the code (administration referenced rescind procedures effective before the start of the school year). Atkins also cited State Board Policy 2410 when explaining limits on the number of students with IEPs allowed per pre-K classroom.

The hearing focused on West Hamlin’s preschool capacity. Atkins said West Hamlin currently lists four preschool classrooms with WVEIS enrollment of 57 and a total capacity of 71 (one classroom of 20 and three of 17). She reviewed incoming registration counts presented by staff (for the 2026–27 school year: West Hamlin — 32 four‑year‑olds with one possible retention; Duval — 30; Hamlin — 42; Hearts — 26) and explained that some birth‑to‑three registrations and transfers remain uncertain until paperwork and transition meetings are complete.

The employee affected, Miss Spence, a West Hamlin preschool teacher, testified that a reduction from three rooms to two would strain services for young children and those with special needs. “These babies … they deserve not to be in a room with 19 other kids,” she said, arguing that many of the children require focused, one‑on‑one developmental support and that consolidating rooms would place unsustainable demands on aides and co‑teachers.

During cross‑examination and clarifying exchanges, Miss Spence asked whether a three‑year‑old‑only class would require posting a separate position and whether transportation to neighboring schools would be feasible; administration responded that transportation to neighboring schools has been used previously and that staffing and posting requirements depend on how a class is configured (three‑year‑only versus combined three‑and‑four‑year classes). Administration also said that if enrollment later increases, the district can rescind a cut and offer recall to affected employees, with the affected teacher given a written offer and time to accept recall.

No board action was taken on the personnel cuts during the March 23 hearing. The board moved, seconded and unanimously voted to adjourn to a reconvened meeting at 6:00 p.m. on March 31, 2026; the adjournment motion carried 4–0 and the hearing concluded at 6:41 p.m.

The administration’s request and the teacher’s testimony set up a decision the board must consider in light of enrollment verification, transfer paperwork and limits in State Board Policy 2410; administration said it will verify transition paperwork and WVEIS entries by July 1 and contact parents and teachers as applicable.