Melissa Bane

for Hancock County Schools Board of Ed. 2026

May 12th

Three Districts, Five Members

Hancock County's Board of Education is made of three districts: Butler, Clay, and Grant. There are five members of the Hancock County Board of Education in which no more than two can be represented by each district.

It is important to note that no matter which district you live in, you can vote for candidates in other districts.

Current members:

  • Chris Gillette from Butler
  • Jack Crow from Butler
  • Ed Fields from Clay
  • Jim Horstman from Clay
  • Randy Swartzmiller from Grant

The three magisterial districts segment Hancock County into three regions of approximately equal population in a north-south direction. Grant is the most northerly, bounded at the south by Hardin Run Road. It includes Chester, Newell, and New Manchester. Grant district notably excludes the city limits of New Cumberland; that area is covered by Clay District instead. Clay covers the area between Hardin Run Road and Kings Creek Road, but it includes the western third of Weirton. Butler district is the physically smallest district due to its high population density. Its eastern and southern edges are bounded by the county line; its northern boundary by Kings Creek Road. The west-east border of Clay and Butler district is the most complex. It begins at the intersection of Patricia Drive and Kings Creek Road and travels due south until it meets Pennsylvania Avenue. At that point, it follows Pennsylvania Avenue westward for three quarters of a mile, then turns back due south. It is positioned in such a way that those in proximity to Weirton High School will be in Butler; those closer to downtown will be in Clay.

Candidates

District Candidate
Butler
0-1 new members 		Chris Gillette
Maintains current seat
Tiffany Gale
Michael Phelps
Clay
1-2 new members 		Melissa Bane
Jim Horstman
Jeff Woofter
Grant
0-1 new members 		Randy Swartzmiller
Maintains current seat
Zach Adams
David Brown
Seth A Cheuvrout
Curt Parkins

Register to Vote

Deadline to register is April 21st

Hancock county courthouse, mail, or register to vote online

Online registration requires:

  • Drivers's licence or Photo ID
  • Social security number

If you choose to register in-person, you must also provide a proof of address. Bring one of the following:

  • Most recent utility bill
  • Recent bank statement
  • Official government document with current name and address

Early Voting

April 29st - May 9th

Voters may cast an early ballot at the county courthouse, an annex or designated community voting location during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) or on Saturdays 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.