Meeting Information
The Harrison County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Board of Education office in Clarksburg.
School Improvement Presentations
Lumberport Elementary and Liberty Middle shared plans for improving student learning and school performance.
Lumberport Elementary reviewed its goals, recent progress, challenges, and steps planned for the new school year. The school’s work includes student support, attendance, family involvement, and academic growth.
Liberty Middle discussed plans to improve English language arts, math, attendance, and student behavior. Staff members will also make positive calls to families and work to improve communication throughout the year.
Board members asked the schools to return in three to four months with updates on their progress.
Girls Wrestling
Lincoln High School Head Wrestling Coach David Mazzei spoke about the growth of girls wrestling. He asked the district to consider adding coaching positions for girls wrestling because boys and girls competitions may take place at different locations and times.
The superintendent was asked to review the need and determine what may be possible.
Bridgeport High School Flood Recovery
Bridgeport High School employees spoke about flooding that damaged nine classrooms, two entryways, the field house, locker rooms, and other areas.
Staff members, maintenance workers, families and local businesses helped remove damaged flooring, clean rooms, sanitize surfaces and prepare the school for students. Speakers thanked everyone who provided labor, food, water, fans, cleaning supplies and other help.
The district delayed the first day of school because of road conditions and storm damage. Other schools reported roof leaks and minor flooding, but Bridgeport High School had the most serious damage.
South Harrison Scheduling Concerns
A parent spoke about student schedules and course choices at South Harrison High School. He asked that the school’s principal, counselors, and teachers be allowed to complete schedules and help students receive the courses they need.
Superintendent’s Update
Superintendent Dora Stutler thanked Lumberport Elementary and Liberty Middle for their improvement work. She said state staff members had visited the schools, met with employees, and offered recommendations.
The district reported an early enrollment of 8,852 students. This was 43 more students than the district reported at the end of the last school year. These numbers were still preliminary.
The district also reported that 15.75 positions had been eliminated since May 19. Board members asked for a running update on staffing totals at future meetings.
District leaders also reviewed the response to flooding, school building conditions, and work to prepare schools for students.
United Technical Center Update
The United Technical Center reported that its fire suppression work was complete. More renovation work is planned, including improvements to space that may be used for added programs.
UTC is also beginning a sports medicine program. The program is expected to start with 12 students and may grow in future years.
Superintendent Announces Retirement
Superintendent Dora Stutler announced that she plans to retire effective September 30, 2026. She said she needs to focus on her family because of her husband’s health needs.
Stutler thanked students, employees, families, and community members for their support during her 30-year career with Harrison County Schools. Her retirement will come before the board for approval at a future meeting.
State Superintendent-Approved Items
The state superintendent-approved items included personnel matters for employees working more than 200 days.
They also included Universal Preschool agreements with Cubby’s, Lasting Impressions, Mother Goose, and Central West Virginia Community Action Head Start.
New employees recognized during this part of the meeting included Melinda Stewart as purchasing director and Dawson Evans as assistant principal at Nutter Fort Primary School.
Consent Items
The board approved the consent items. These included meeting minutes, corrections to earlier minutes, financial transactions, and student transfer approvals and denials.
During the discussion, board members requested corrections involving the reason for an earlier executive session and wording in the meeting minutes. They also asked that information about new employee orientation be placed under personnel in a future update.
University Partnerships
The board approved an agreement with Fairmont State University for the placement of teacher candidates, student teachers, and resident teachers during the 2026–2027 school year.
The board also approved an agreement with West Virginia University for clinical placements, field placements, and internships through August 2031.
Old Business and Policy Updates
The board reported no old business or policy updates.
Personnel
The board approved the personnel recommendations with changes.
Eric Burnside’s extracurricular contract and Laura Trent’s item were removed from the list. Board member Doug Hogue recused himself because one of the personnel matters involved a family member.
Legal and Disciplinary Matters
No legal or disciplinary action was taken during the public meeting.
Board Members’ Comments
Board members thanked employees and community members who helped Bridgeport High School recover from flooding. They also wished students and staff a safe and successful start to the school year.
Members discussed how families and employees may contact the board while the district works with the West Virginia Department of Education. They encouraged people to follow the proper steps by beginning with the teacher or school before moving a concern to the next level.
Board members also thanked Superintendent Stutler for her service and offered support to her family.
Adjournment
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.
Search Terms: leadership transition, district superintendent change, storm cleanup, water damage, school reopening, student headcount, academic support plans, family communication, athletic coaching, career training, college partnerships, staffing reductions