Meeting Information
The Harrison County Board of Education met Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Board Room at 445 West Main Street in Clarksburg.
Meeting Opening
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Jenny Santilli.
Delegations
Eighteen speakers addressed the board. Most asked members to keep Salem and Lost Creek elementary schools open. Parents, educators, residents, and local leaders spoke about student success, small classes, bus rides, jobs, and the role schools play in their communities.
Speakers asked the board to consider other ways to reduce costs, including changes to school attendance areas. They also requested clearer information about possible savings and staffing cuts across the district.
A separate speaker asked the board to review an added second grade teaching position at Simpson Elementary School. The speaker raised questions about the position’s purpose and how it was being filled.
The final speaker, an art teacher at Robert C. Byrd High School, shared how art helps students build skills and confidence. A student helped present ceramic pumpkins made by students to board members.
Superintendent’s Update
Staffing and Enrollment
Dr. Van Meter said the district’s target for position reductions had increased to 115. She explained that enrollment had fallen by about 400 more students, adding to the gap between current staffing and positions supported by state funding.
Without reductions, she estimated the district would have about 156 positions above state funding levels next year. She said reaching the 115-position target would still leave more reductions for the following year.
Board members also received a school-by-school comparison of enrollment for 2025–26 and 2026–27.
Professional Development
Principals completed a survey about the support and training needed in their schools. Dr. Van Meter said the results would help guide the use of professional development funds. She plans to share the findings with the board once the responses are combined.
School Calendar Discussion
Dr. Van Meter reviewed Senate Bill 890 and its shift from 180 separate instructional days to 900 instructional hours. She discussed questions about how the calendar rules fit with employee workdays and other school requirements.
She recommended keeping a calendar similar to the current one while those questions are worked out. No calendar change was approved.
State Superintendent Approved Items
Executive Session and Return
The board entered executive session to discuss personnel matters, then returned to public session.
After the return, it was announced that the state superintendent had approved personnel matters involving employment of more than 200 days and the terminations of Employee A and Employee B.
Consent Items
The board approved the consent items with no opposition heard. These included:
Minutes from the October 20, 2026, regular meeting.
Accounts payable transactions totaling $2,084,752.82.
Budget transfers totaling $2,319,758.25.
Student transfer approvals and denials.
New Business
School Realignment Planning Moves Forward
The board voted unanimously to begin the next steps in a proposed school realignment. The action allows work on an educational facilities plan amendment, closure impact studies, and public hearings.
The proposal would merge Lost Creek Elementary into West Milford Elementary and Salem Elementary into Mountaineer Elementary. Hearings would be held for both the proposed closing schools and the receiving schools.
This vote begins the review process. A final decision would come after the studies and hearings. Any closures would need approval from both the local board and the State Board of Education. If approved, the proposed changes would take effect for the 2027–28 school year.
During discussion, members asked about transportation, building use, costs, changes to attendance areas, and other possible school arrangements. Dr. Van Meter said the review would consider those options, along with teacher certifications. She also said staffing in every school and the central office is being examined.
Search Terms: school consolidation, school closing process, community input, facility planning, bus routes, redistricting options, building reuse, county office staffing, merger proposal, public hearing process
Personnel
The board approved the superintendent’s personnel recommendations. Douglas Hogue stated that he was recusing himself from an item involving a relative’s math teaching position at Robert C. Byrd High School.
During the earlier realignment discussion, Dr. Van Meter encouraged teachers to consider adding certifications. She noted needs in math and special education and said added credentials could give employees more options during staffing changes.
Search Terms: hiring decisions, employee assignments, family-related recusal, teacher credentials, added endorsements, certification exams, staffing flexibility, teaching vacancies
Board Members’ Comments
Board members thanked those who attended and spoke. Members discussed the effects of school closures on families, employees, and communities, as well as the district’s financial limits.
Members encouraged residents to stay involved, attend or watch meetings, and share their concerns with state lawmakers.