Meeting Information
Meeting: Harrison County Board of Education Regular Meeting
Date: September 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Board Room, 445 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301
Financial Report
The board heard a report on the district’s finances for fiscal year 2026. General fund spending exceeded revenue by about $5.4 million. The report linked that gap to additional personnel costs and lower revenue.
The district ended the year with $15.8 million in unrestricted reserves, or about 13% of annual spending. That is slightly more than one month of operating costs.
Other funds remain set aside for specific purposes, including school supplies, technology, facilities, and construction. The report also stressed the need for regular supply counts and stronger inventory controls.
Superintendent’s Update
The superintendent reported no additional position abolishments since the previous update. The district is preparing for the October enrollment count, which will help guide financial planning.
Harrison County Schools received a state letter confirming that it met county-level special education requirements. The superintendent thanked special education teachers and school staff for their work.
Staff also reported interest in the property auction. No final bid was announced during the meeting.
Transportation and Facilities
Transportation staff are working to add substitute bus drivers and improve routes. One route was eliminated, but the driver’s position was kept because drivers are still needed. Staff are also reviewing bus parts and working toward a full physical inventory count.
At Bridgeport High School, flood repairs remain under review. Staff are working through insurance questions, flooring tests, and repair options. Larger repairs may need to take place during a school break or after the school year ends.
Construction continues at Robert C. Byrd High School and on the secure entrance at Bridgeport Middle School. Staff also reported work to repair heating and cooling equipment across the district.
The superintendent thanked staff and the School Building Authority for their support of secure entrances, playgrounds, and other school improvements.
United Technical Center
The board heard an update on United Technical Center’s enrollment and programs. Enrollment was reported at 348 students, down by roughly 60 or more.
The update also covered a planned rule to stop student drivers from carrying other students between schools and the center. A developing sports medicine program had 10 students signed up for athletic training.
State Superintendent Approved Items
The board reviewed state-approved items, including the employment contract for Dr. Sheena Van Meter as superintendent and a consulting contract for Charles F. Hedrick.
Dr. Van Meter attended the meeting and was welcomed to Harrison County Schools. Other state-approved items included personnel matters and submission of the fiscal year 2026 financial reporting package.
Consent Items
The board approved the September 1 meeting minutes, financial transactions, and student enrollment and transfer decisions.
Financial items included about $4.68 million in accounts payable, $6,752.04 in budget transfers, and about $10.92 million in budget carryover. A requested correction to the minutes remained under review for a future meeting.
New Business
The board approved:
Out-of-state travel study requests.
An agreement with WVU Parkersburg for the 2026–2027 school year.
Music therapy services through Milestones and Music, LLC.
School-based health clinic services through Community Care WV.
Dental services through Monongalia County Health Department.
A 2026–2029 agreement involving the Education Alliance, Hope Gas, Inc., and Harrison County Schools.
The board also approved a $58,444.07 change order for the Robert C. Byrd High School renovation project. The work includes ductwork, food service, and foundation changes. The cost will come from the project’s contingency funds, leaving $91,555.93.
Old Business
There was no old business.
Policy Updates
The board approved annual updates to Policies 3120.12, 3120.13, and 4120.12. These address critical staffing needs and allow retired teachers and bus operators to serve in long-term substitute roles.
The board also approved sending proposed changes to Policy 5410, Promotion, Acceleration, Placement, and Retention, out for a two-week comment period. The changes include language related to the Third Grade Success Act. The policy will return for final approval.
Personnel
The board approved the superintendent’s personnel recommendations.
Board Members’ Comments
Board members thanked those who attended and watched the meeting, recognized the students who spoke, and expressed support for an employee facing health concerns.
Members also thanked the outgoing superintendent for her service, offered retirement wishes, and welcomed Dr. Van Meter.
Adjournment
The board approved adjournment.