The Harrison County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at 445 West Main Street in Clarksburg. The meeting was streamed on YouTube.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Tucker was asked to lead those in attendance in the pledge.
The Board heard a legislative update from Howard Seufer of Bowles Rice. He reviewed new laws from the recent West Virginia legislative session and explained how some of the changes may affect school districts. His update included areas such as business and finance, board governance, personnel, facilities, health and safety, student activities, discipline, instruction, nontraditional education, and charter schools. He also noted that some new laws may need court decisions, state guidance, or state board policy before districts know exactly how they will be applied.
Tony Able then gave a vision plan update. He said the current dental and vision plan has shared annual maximums, which can cause employees and families to lose access to vision benefits after reaching the dental maximum. The proposed change would separate the dental and vision maximums. He also shared information about VSP network access, frame allowances, glasses and contacts, and laser vision care benefits. The Board said members would review the information before a future meeting.
The Board recognized the 2026 Golden Horseshoe winners from Harrison County. Students recognized were Anna Song from Bridgeport Middle School; Chloe Weathersby, Abraham Morrison, and Maddix Mckinley from Liberty Middle School; and River Greathouse, Aden Mason, and Casaun Akers from Lincoln Middle School. The recognition noted the long history of the Golden Horseshoe program and the students’ strong knowledge of West Virginia history.
Bridgeport High School students were recognized for their success at the West Virginia Language Showcase. Students earned awards in Spanish and French categories, including video, prepared talk, poetry, skit, trivia, dictation, singing, folkloric dance, and modern dance.
The Board also recognized the Liberty Middle School boys basketball team for winning the Mid-Mountain 10 Conference championship. Coaches DJ Byrd and Patrick Marozzi were listed with the team.
Bridgeport Middle School girls' track and field was recognized for winning the Mid-Mountain 10 Conference championship. The agenda noted this was a three-peat championship and that numerous school records were broken. The Board also recognized Bridgeport Middle School boys' track and field for winning the Mid-Mountain 10 Conference championship, earning back-to-back conference titles, and breaking numerous school records.
The Board moved the property matter forward on the agenda and went into executive session to discuss property matters. After returning to regular session, the Board moved on to delegations. Four speakers addressed the Board. Three speakers spoke about a special education teaching position at South Harrison High School and shared concerns about IEP services, staffing, and support for students. Another speaker spoke about middle school track and field assistant coaching positions and asked that coaches who worked during the season be compensated.
During the superintendent’s update, the superintendent shared information about Summer Academy. She said nearly all positions were filled, with a few still open, and asked for substitutes. She reported 70 elementary students, 8 middle school students, and 33 high school students signed up. She also shared that the high school summer program will be held at Bridgeport High School because of work being done at Robert C. Byrd High School. She congratulated seniors ahead of graduation and reported that the district’s audit and the United Technical Center audit closed with no findings.
Facilities updates included work connected to the fire marshal, construction and facility projects, roofs, transportation office work, Simpson Elementary playground work, and follow-up on items at Nutter Fort and United High School.
Douglas Hogue gave an update on United Technical Center. He shared that 181 completers were recognized at graduation, a retiring ProStart instructor was honored, and the center completed a construction update involving the water system and fire suppression. He also said 11 students and three instructors were going to Atlanta, Georgia, for a skills competition.
The Board approved the consent items as presented, including meeting minutes, financial transactions, and open enrollment/transfer approvals and denials. Mr. Hogue noted a recusal related to one transfer item.
Under new business, the Board approved out-of-state travel study requests. The Board also approved Peoples Bank for banking services for operating accounts from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The proposal includes the target Fed Funds rate minus 0.10% and a minimum guaranteed rate of 1.5%.
Under old business, the Board approved the 2026-2027 budget. Board members asked questions about the salary scale and levy allocation for Liberty Middle School athletic field facilities before the vote. The Board also approved the FY2027 salary scale, other supplements, and pay dates. The Board then approved continuing the Health Reimbursement Plan at $480 per year, or $40 per month, for employees who carry health insurance through Harrison County Schools.
There were no policy updates.
The Board went into executive session for personnel matters. After returning, the Board approved the personnel agenda with the addition of one resignation.
During board member comments, members thanked those who attended and watched online. A board member also addressed concerns shared during delegations about the South Harrison special education position and said they had been assured the district could pivot and add the position back if needed. Board members also congratulated graduates and wished students well on assessments.
The meeting adjourned after a motion, second, and vote.