Meeting Information
The Harrison County Board of Education held its regular meeting on October 6, 2026. The meeting was scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at 445 West Main Street in Clarksburg.
Meeting Opening
The board opened the meeting and those in attendance joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Recognitions
The board recognized Bridgeport High School’s West Virginia FFA state champions in veterinary science. The team includes Micah Barnette, Maya Woofter, Abram Jenkins, and Markus Mugge. Their teacher and FFA advisor is Justin Arnold.
During the recognition, students described parts of the competition, including medical knowledge, animal handling, and hands-on skills.
The board also recognized school service personnel and thanked them for their work. The recognition honored the many ways these employees help students and keep schools running.
Delegations
A Mountaineer Elementary parent spoke about missed bus routes and delays in notices to families. She described how canceled routes affect children and caregivers, especially families without another way to get to school.
The parent asked the district to review how substitute drivers are assigned and how families and schools receive updates when a bus cannot run.
Superintendent’s Update
Facilities
The RCB cafeteria and agriculture building project is targeting substantial completion on February 7 and full completion by March 1.
Bridgeport Middle School’s secure entrance project has faced delays in receiving materials. The contractor requested 46 additional days without added cost. The entrance area is in use, with substantial completion targeted for November 30 or sooner.
Transportation
The transportation update reported 14 people in the bus driver hiring and training pipeline. Five were close to being ready to drive.
New applicants must complete required checks, training, and testing. The estimated time for a new applicant who clears all requirements is eight to ten weeks.
The superintendent said the district would contact the state Department of Education about barriers in the training process and possible changes that could help.
District Organization and Board Discussion
Board members received the district’s organization chart. The superintendent offered to answer questions and provide more details as needed.
The superintendent also invited board members to share topics before future meetings so staff can prepare information for discussion.
School Funding and Staffing
The superintendent explained how declining enrollment affects state funding and the number of jobs the state funds.
The district currently has about 153 professional positions and 71 service positions above the number funded through the state formula. Preliminary enrollment figures show a decline of more than 200 students this school year.
The superintendent outlined options to reduce costs. These include reviewing vacant jobs, school enrollment and building use, schedules, class sizes, employee duties, and bus routes. Possible school closures were also discussed as an option to study.
A staffing reduction plan will be brought to the board before May 1. A board member asked that classrooms and student services be protected as much as possible by reviewing other areas first.
No staffing reduction plan or school closure was approved during this discussion.
United Technical Center
Douglas Hogue reported on enrollment concerns at United Technical Center, including its adult programs.
He said the practical nursing program will continue. Possible funding help from health care partners was discussed.
Board members also discussed ways to build student interest in career programs, including possible career exploration for middle school students and access for younger high school students.
State Superintendent Approved Items
The board reviewed three items that had already been approved by the state superintendent:
Personnel matters involving employment of more than 200 days.
The sale of Hite Field, with a total contract price of $401,500, including a $36,500 buyer’s premium.
School Specialty purchases totaling an anticipated $127,156.49 for furniture and supplies. This includes $117,156.49 for the RCB renovation and $10,000 for other school needs.
No separate local vote was taken on these items.
Action Taken / Consent Agenda
The board approved the consent items together. These included:
Minutes from the September 15, 2026, regular meeting.
Financial transactions, including operating transfers, accounts payable, payroll, budget supplements, budget transfers, and budget carryover.
Open enrollment and student transfer approvals and denials.
New Business
The board approved each of the following items in order:
Out-of-state travel study requests.
The Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 agreement for neglected and delinquent programs for the 2026–2027 school year.
An agreement with Marshall University.
An agreement with Wheeling University.
Training fee reimbursements and program incentives for substitute bus operators John Snyder and Vernon Frase.
A PRO officer agreement with the City of Bridgeport.
A PRO officer agreement with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department.
School support organizations.
An agreement with Salem University for general student placements.
An agreement with Salem University for its educational leadership program.
An agreement with Grove City College.
During the Marshall University discussion, staff explained that the agreement involves a psychology placement in the schools at no cost to the district.
During the school support organization discussion, a board member asked for a review of fundraising rules, including the times when fundraising is allowed. The superintendent agreed to review the policy. No fundraising policy change was approved.
Old Business and Policy Updates
There was no old business and no policy update presented for action.
Personnel
The board approved the superintendent’s personnel recommendations and the job description included with them.
Board Members’ Comments
Board members thanked those who attended and watched the meeting. They welcomed the superintendent and spoke about the need to work together.
Members also thanked school service personnel for their support of students and teachers and asked the community to keep families and individuals facing difficult times in their thoughts.
Adjournment
The board approved the motion to adjourn.