Hancock County terminates contract of superintendent Teresa Merwin

Hancock County is searching for a new superintendent this morning.

The Board of Trustees on Thursday voted to terminate Teresa Merwin’s contract during a special called meeting.

There was no explanation. A parent posting to the Hancock County Schools social media page expressed outrage over the termination.

Merwin had been in office a little more than a year, assuming the duties in July 2021. She succeeded Alan Dedeaux, who retired in June 2021.

Merwin came into the superintendent’s job with 23 years experience in education, the last being principal of Thames Elementary in Hattiesburg.

The school board said in a statement that a search would begin immediately to search for an interim and a permanent superintendent.