The Harrison County Board of Education is proud to highlight the wonderful work happening at United High School, recently recognized by the WVSDT LEA/YRC Collaborative for its strong teamwork and focus on student success.
United High School is described as a place that “exemplifies the power of partnership and shared vision.” It brings several programs together under one roof, creating a learning space that supports the diverse needs of its students. This unique setup helps students find the path that works best for them as they work toward graduation.
A key part of United’s success comes from its partnership with WVSDT. Two WVSDT teachers — Barbara “Barbie” Clutter-Watt and Kathy Blankenship — play important roles in helping students grow.
Ms. Blankenship works with students on credit recovery and teaches life and job readiness skills, using tools like the CIEL curriculum to prepare them for the future.
Ms. Clutter-Watt teaches core and career-based subjects, including WV Hospitality and Tourism and Civics. She also serves as the Chief GED Test Administrator for the school’s GED testing site, giving students more opportunities to meet their graduation needs right at United.
The spotlight notes that United’s success is “deeply rooted in the strong collaboration between school administration and WVSDT staff.” The school’s leadership has welcomed WVSDT teachers “with open arms,” and this shared commitment has helped build a supportive place where students can thrive.
The numbers show how much this teamwork matters. During the 2024–2025 school year, WVSDT teachers at United High School worked with over 186 youth, and 185 completed the Truancy Diversion Program. They also supported 99 out of 109 graduating students, showing the strong impact of this partnership.
United High School continues to shine as a model of collaboration, care, and student-focused support in Harrison County. The Board of Education is proud of the work happening there and celebrates the dedication of everyone involved.