Meeting Information
The Harrison County Board of Education held its regular meeting Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the district’s board room in Clarksburg.
Financial and Staffing Review
The board received an update on the Harrison County Efficiency Study. The five-year report reviews district finances, enrollment and staffing.
Harrison County lost more than 1,000 students during the period covered by the report. This reduced the number of positions funded through the state aid formula.
The district employed about 259 positions above the state-funded number as of June 30, 2026. About 150 of those positions can be supported by the excess levy. District leaders said staffing and costs will need continued review.
Schools Prepare for a New Year
New employee orientation was held earlier in the day for 17 employees. The district has also worked to make the hiring process easier by providing new staff members with technology, badges and other needed items before they begin work.
Staff return Tuesday, August 11. Students return Tuesday, August 18.
Summer Building Work
Maintenance teams completed projects at schools across the county. The work included painting, new flooring, concrete, drainage improvements, playground work, roof repairs and tree removal.
District employees were reminded to follow fire and safety rules. Doors should not be propped open, and electrical panels, stairs and other areas must remain clear. Extension cords and power strips must also be used correctly.
Transportation Update
The district expects a shortage of bus drivers when school begins. Recent resignations have added to the concern.
District leaders are reviewing routes and other options. They noted that other counties are also having trouble finding enough drivers.
State-Approved Personnel Items
The board received personnel items and an addendum that had already been approved by the state superintendent.
Consent Items
The board approved the consent items, including meeting minutes, financial transactions, and open enrollment and transfer requests.
During the discussion, possible attendance errors were raised in minutes from several earlier meetings. Those records will need to be reviewed.
The district also reported that one student transfer will be held until updated enrollment numbers are available.
New Business
The board approved:
Out-of-state travel study requests
Renewal of the Parent Educator Resource Center contract with Hotsinpiller
After-hours contracts for school psychologists
A memorandum of understanding with United Summit Center for at-risk services during the 2026–27 school year
Board member Kristin Smith recused herself from the vote on the after-hours contracts.
Hite Field Property
The board moved the property discussion ahead of personnel and entered executive session.
After returning to the public meeting, the board approved hiring Kaufman Realty and Auctions to auction the Hite Field Property.
Personnel
The board approved the personnel recommendations and addendum after removing John Snyder from the substitute bus driver list because of certification requirements.
District leaders said every open position will be reviewed before it is filled. A vacancy may be posted, left open or filled by moving an employee to an area where there is a need.
The board asked for regular updates showing how many positions are being removed or left unfilled.
Board Members’ Comments
Board members encouraged the public to attend meetings or watch online to stay informed.
They also welcomed employees back and thanked them for their work. Staff members were wished a safe and successful 2026–27 school year.
Adjournment
The board approved a motion to adjourn.
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