The Harrison County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at 445 West Main Street in Clarksburg. The meeting was also streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Recognitions
The Board recognized Charles Wade Lane, a senior at Robert C. Byrd High School, for being named a 2026 National Merit Finalist. Each year, about 16,000 high-achieving students across the country are named National Merit Semifinalists based on PSAT scores. Most of those students advance to Finalist standing, with scholarship winners announced in the spring. Board members congratulated Lane for representing Harrison County Schools with this honor.
The Board also recognized Bridgeport High School students who earned the West Virginia Seal of Biliteracy and the Global Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who show strong skills in English and at least one other language. Students must complete assessments in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to earn the recognition. Some students also qualified for the Global Seal, which recognizes higher levels of language proficiency. Teachers and administrators were also thanked for supporting students in achieving these honors.
Informational Items
The Board heard a presentation from James Vanscoy about the upcoming Family Fun Extravaganza at Clarksburg City Park. The event will be held April 23–26 and will include free entertainment, educational shows, and family activities. Thursday will feature a Kids Day where schools and daycare groups can attend educational programs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will also include a parade and a new Youth Entrepreneurship Market, where students ages 7–17 can set up booths and sell items they create.
During the Superintendent’s Update, district leaders discussed the school calendar and the possibility of applying for a state waiver for weather-related school closures. If approved, the waiver would allow the district to keep the current calendar without adding additional make-up days.
The Board also received updates on transportation and facilities. District leaders shared that work continues on the secure entrance project at Bridgeport Middle School. The district is also recruiting additional bus drivers and reviewing bus routes. Officials reported that the district applied for School Building Authority funding to help support facility improvements.
Action Taken
The Board approved several consent agenda items, including meeting minutes and financial transactions.
Board members approved out-of-state travel requests for student activities.
The Board also approved several transportation and operations items, including bus purchases, bus repair work, and contracts for grass mowing and trimming services at district properties.
New Business
The Board discussed a proposed spending freeze on non-essential purchases through June 30, 2027. Members said they would like to review a detailed list of items that would be considered non-essential before taking action. The Board voted to table the item until that information can be reviewed.
Board members also discussed planning for possible staffing adjustments for the 2027–2028 school year. District leaders said the discussion is part of long-term planning and clarified that no job cuts are planned for the current school year.
Personnel
The Board approved the personnel agenda, with one item removed due to a board member recusal.
Board Member Comments
Board members shared condolences with families following the recent loss of community members connected to local schools. They also discussed the importance of the district’s crisis response teams, which support students and staff during difficult situations.
Members also recognized the success of the recent county band event, praising the performances of both middle school and high school students and the work of the district’s music educators.
Adjournment
The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.