The Harrison County Board of Education held a Special Meeting - Special Budget Hearing on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room at 445 West Main Street in Clarksburg. The meeting was streamed on YouTube. The agenda included a call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance, the special budget hearing, board members’ comments, and adjournment.
During the Special Budget Hearing, board members asked questions about several budget items. The first discussion focused on the finance department certification language. Board members discussed professional accounting language, CPA certification, certified public finance officer certification, and school finance officer certification. After the discussion, the direction was to remove the added red language and return that section to the previous wording.
The board also discussed budget lines tied to activities, gifted programs, athletics, instruction, and instrumental instruction. Staff explained how some items are listed under instruction in the budget. Board members also asked about training, certifications, travel, and professional development. Staff explained that budget lines were reviewed by looking at past spending and purchase orders, and some amounts were reduced to better match what is normally spent.
Another part of the discussion focused on exchange days and comp time. Staff explained that exchange days are being reviewed by supervisors. The discussion noted that this is more about cleaning up the process and tracking time than creating direct budget savings.
Board members asked about speech pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and special education staff. Staff explained that speech pathologists are classified as teachers based on a past grievance decision. The board also discussed the Medical supplement and who receives it. Staff explained that the supplement applies to professional staff who could bill Medical, since students' needs and caseloads may change during the year.
The board then discussed the way Medical supplement payments are made. Staff explained that the $2,000 Medical supplement would still be provided for eligible staff who work 200 days, but it would be spread across the fiscal year instead of being paid as one lump sum. Staff also discussed the attendance incentive and explained that it remains a lump sum payment under the code and policy.
Near the end of the hearing, board members discussed subscriptions, licenses, and textbooks. Staff shared that subscriptions had been reviewed, including duplicate payments and items that would not be renewed. Staff also said the curriculum team reviewed textbooks and licenses to match current needs and avoid extra spending.
The only action item shown in the transcript was adjournment. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The motion carried.