Meeting Information
The Harrison County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Board Room in Clarksburg.
Partial State Intervention
Representatives from the West Virginia Department of Education explained the partial state intervention involving Harrison County Schools.
State leaders said reviews found concerns involving governance, financial management, staffing, and special education services. They stressed that the intervention is focused on district systems and leadership—not the work of teachers, principals, service personnel, and support staff.
The state will complete more reviews during the next three months. District progress is expected to be reviewed in November, followed by an update to the West Virginia Board of Education in December.
State approval is now required for certain district items, including actions involving employees who work more than 200 days. The local board will continue to act on items involving 200-day employees.
Superintendent’s Update
Superintendent Dora Stutler reported that 13 students who had used the Hope Scholarship have returned to Harrison County Schools.
Extended School Year services and summer school have ended. Summer school focused on English language arts, math, and high school credit recovery. The superintendent thanked the employees who worked with students during the summer.
Principals and central office staff also took part in training and updates. Topics included finance, legal matters, school safety mapping, and the district’s school security system.
The district will continue sending a monthly employee newsletter. Staff members are encouraged to check their K–12 email accounts for updates, including information about the partial intervention and spending freeze.
Facilities and Transportation
Crews are working to prepare schools for the return of students. Projects include floor care, painting, playground work, drainage repairs, new carpet, and HVAC service.
Transportation leaders are also reviewing bus routes and staffing. The district has five new substitute drivers but has lost seven drivers through retirements and resignations.
The district was also contacted about possible cell towers at two school properties. No action was taken.
United Technical Center
The United Technical Center is working to begin a sports medicine program. UTC leaders are exploring staffing options while a possible instructor works toward full certification.
The UTC board also selected its officers for the new term.
State-Approved Items
Items approved by the state superintendent included:
Personnel matters involving employees who work more than 200 days
Bus purchases from Blue Bird Bus Sales
Bus purchases from Worldwide Equipment
An HVAC services contract
Speech therapy services through Best Life Therapy
Legal services through Steptoe & Johnson
Consent Items
The board approved the consent items. These included previous meeting minutes, financial transactions, and student transfer requests.
The financial items included operating transfers, accounts payable, payroll transactions, budget supplements, and budget transfers.
Personnel
The board approved the personnel recommendations with one change and one recusal.
Martini Jacobs was removed from the proposed substitute removal list after signing her contract. Board member Douglas Hogue recused himself from one personnel item.
Hite Field Property
The board entered executive session to discuss matters involving the Hite Field property.
After returning to regular session, the board announced that no action would be taken.
Board Member Comments
Board members thanked state representatives for attending and explaining the partial intervention. They also thanked employees for their summer work and shared hopes for a safe and successful school year.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at about 7:00 p.m.