State Investigation Prompts Intervention in Harrison County Schools
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A month-long investigation by the West Virginia Department of Education has resulted in the State Board of Education placing Harrison County Schools under partial state intervention after investigators identified concerns involving board governance, long-term financial stability and special education oversight.
The investigation began on April 27, when a team from the WVDE Office of Accountability conducted an on-site review of Harrison County Schools, interviewing Superintendent Dora Stutler, central office administrators and every member of the Harrison County Board of Education. Investigators returned on May 26 to conduct additional interviews with principals from across the county before compiling their findings into a report presented Wednesday to the State Board of Education.
According to the report, investigators based their conclusions on interviews, document reviews and what they described as an "overwhelming consistency" in comments regarding behaviors and conduct throughout the school system.
State investigation uncovers financial concerns
At the center of the state's investigation is a projected $16 million budget deficit over the next two fiscal years if current spending trends continue, a financial outlook that state officials said could reduce Harrison County Schools' unrestricted reserves from approximately $23 million today to about $7 million by the end of fiscal year 2027.
State investigators found Harrison County Schools employed 239 positions above the state's Public School Support Program funding formula as of Oct. 1, 2025. Approximately 150 of those positions are funded through the county's excess levy, and investigators noted the district has since filled an additional 20 previously vacant positions.
During Wednesday's State Board meeting, WVDE officials told board members Harrison County Schools currently has an unrestricted fund balance of approximately $23 million. Based on current spending trends, that balance is projected to decline by about $6 million during fiscal year 2026 and another $10 million during fiscal year 2027 if current staffing levels remain unchanged.
The report also states the Harrison County Board of Education approved a spending freeze earlier this year covering vehicle and equipment purchases, overtime, substitutes, contracted services, supplies, travel and other discretionary spending. However, investigators concluded those measures are unlikely to generate enough savings to offset the cost of maintaining staffing levels above the state funding formula.
During the presentation, State Board member Dr. James Paul asked investigators whether Harrison County's staffing levels were unusual compared with other school districts across West Virginia.
WVDE Accountability Director Alexandra Criner responded that while she did not compare every county individually, Harrison County's staffing level was "definitely on the high end."
Governance concerns
The investigation also identified concerns involving the role of the Harrison County Board of Education.
According to the report, non-board interview groups consistently described board members becoming involved in staffing decisions, scheduling, discipline matters and other responsibilities traditionally handled by school administration. Investigators also cited concerns involving the chain of command, personnel matters, potential conflicts of interest and possible violations of West Virginia's Open Governmental Meetings Act.
The report further states that while board members expressed support for Superintendent Dora Stutler, many central office employees believed the board had "tied the hands" of the superintendent, affecting the district's long-term stability.
Additional review ordered for special education
State investigators also recommended a targeted review of Harrison County's special education program after receiving information suggesting some Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) may have been developed around school scheduling rather than individual student needs.
The review will examine compliance with both state policy and federal special education law.
State Board unanimously approves intervention
Following the presentation, State Board President Paul Hardesty sharply criticized the district's financial management before the board unanimously approved a partial intervention.
Hardesty called the situation "absolutely pathetic," saying he became more concerned each time he reviewed the report. He questioned why the district continued operating with staffing levels well above the state's funding formula while reducing reserve funds and emphasized that local boards have a fiduciary responsibility to protect taxpayer dollars.
Hardesty also referenced findings in the report suggesting some employees were perceived as being beyond accountability because of their association with certain board members, saying that type of environment "can't work." Before the board voted, he concluded his remarks by telling district leadership, "Harrison County, bring your house in order."
The State Board then unanimously approved a motion declaring extraordinary circumstances existed within Harrison County Schools and authorizing a partial intervention.
Under the action, the State Superintendent or her designee will assume authority over financial transactions exceeding $100,000, certain personnel decisions, selected administrative appointments, student discipline hearings and review of local board meeting agendas. The district will also be required to develop a corrective action plan before local authority can be fully restored.
District responds
Following the State Board's action, Superintendent Dora Stutler released a statement saying the district intends to cooperate fully with state officials.
"We respect the State Board's decision and are committed to working collaboratively with the State Superintendent and the assigned support team," Stutler said.
She added that the district's focus remains on providing "the best possible education for our students and continuing to support our staff, families, and community throughout this process."
Stutler also noted the district had not yet had the opportunity to fully review the report before Wednesday's meeting and said additional information would be shared as it becomes available.
Although the intervention increases state oversight, Harrison County Schools will continue normal day-to-day operations while working with the West Virginia Department of Education to address the findings.
