The Harrison County Board of Education held its Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at 445 West Main Street in Clarksburg.
The Board began the evening by recognizing several teachers who earned or maintained National Board Certification. Newly certified teachers included Hannah Carpenter, Big Elm Elementary; Taya Cline, Johnson Elementary; Shannon Elliott, Johnson Elementary; Tonya Stuart, Lumberport Elementary; and Joanne Wilson, Liberty Middle School. Teachers recognized for maintaining their certification were Jeremiah Smallridge, Bridgeport High School; Rebecca Merritt, Bridgeport High School; and Terra Burnett, North View Primary.
The Board then recognized Harrison County Teacher of the Year honorees. Heather Hope of Victory Elementary School and Joanne Wilson of Liberty Middle School were named runners-up. Greg Phillips of Robert C. Byrd High School was named Harrison County Teacher of the Year. The Board also recognized Kelli Clark of Lumberport Elementary as Harrison County Service Personnel of the Year.
Student recognitions followed. Bridgeport Middle School students Carly Church and Alexandria Alvarez were recognized for their success in the InvestWrite Stock Market Game, along with teacher Scott Davis. State Math Field Day winners were also honored, including Leroy Song of Bridgeport High School, who was named the West Virginia State Math Field Day Champion. Other recognized Math Field Day students included Wade Lane, Kevin Dong, William Northey, Anna Song, Leon Vorst, and Nathaniel Linger. Region 7 was also recognized for placing first in both the grades 4-9 and grades 10-12 divisions.
United Technical Center students were recognized for their success at the SkillsUSA State Competition. The agenda listed gold, silver, and bronze medal winners from several Harrison County high schools. The Board also recognized Emma Ahmad of Bridgeport High School for her swim achievements, including two individual titles and team honors. State Social Studies winners were then recognized, including Dylan Miller of Robert C. Byrd High School, Liam Bennett and Finn Chavoustie of Bridgeport Middle School, and Bruce Daughtery and Layuna Wilfong of South Harrison Middle School.
In the Superintendent’s Update, Superintendent Dora Stutler thanked teachers and staff during Staff Appreciation Week and noted Mental Health Awareness Month. She shared that the 21st Century grant for Project ISAAC at Liberty Middle School had been resubmitted, with a decision expected later. She also updated the Board on the Hope Academy pathway with Hope Gas, which will begin with 14 students next school year. The superintendent also shared updates on English language learner testing, personnel hearings, summer staffing, facilities, finance, school building capacity, scholarships, and student achievement.
The Board approved the consent items as presented. These included the April 21, 2026, meeting minutes, financial transactions, and open enrollment and transfer approvals and denials.
Under New Business, the Board approved the out-of-state professional leave request. During discussion, it was stated that the cost was about $1,200 and would be funded through federal programs. The Board also approved Bridgeport High School’s request to issue a purchase order for a football video scoreboard from BSN Sports for $217,175. The scoreboard will be paid from school accounts, including the scoreboard fund and general athletics account while pledged donations are collected.
The Board approved several textbook and instructional materials adoptions. These included art materials for grades K-12, elementary health materials, secondary health and wellness materials, elementary music materials, secondary music materials, and personal finance materials. During discussion, it was noted that textbook and instructional materials funds come from excess levy funds and cannot be used for personnel.
The Board approved a Clerk of the Works purchase order for Jane McCoy for professional services related to Robert C. Byrd High School renovations, not to exceed $120,000.
The Board discussed the Robert C. Byrd High School National Honor Society's request about graduation stoles. Board members discussed the school’s bylaws, the role of the principal, past practice, and the students’ petition. No vote was taken during the discussion.
There was no old business and no policy update. Under personnel, the Board voted to table the South Harrison High School special education position so more information could be gathered. The Board also removed the Bridgeport High School credit recovery teacher item because of a seniority mistake and removed the abolishment of an executive secretary/accountant position in the attendance department. The personnel agenda was then approved with those changes and with Mr. Hogue recusing himself due to a summer school position.
During Board Member Comments, members thanked those who attended, offered condolences to the family of a former teacher, thanked teachers and staff, and thanked teachers who helped with textbook adoption work. The meeting was then adjourned.