Harrison County BOE Prioritizes Health and Education Contracts for Student Support

The Harrison County Board of Education (BOE) is set to consider several critical contracts in September 2026 that are focused on improving student health, education quality, and facility renovations across the district. In an effort to boost educational outcomes and address identified deficiencies, the board has identified the need for external support from seasoned professionals within the educational sector. Notably, they plan to engage Charles Hedrick, a former county superintendent, to assist in developing an action plan in response to interventions mandated by the West Virginia Board of Education and the West Virginia Department of Education.

Hedrick's role is expected to involve a detailed assessment and the formulation of strategies to tackle deficiencies highlighted by state officials. The board’s president, Frank Devono Jr., noted the value of mentorship in this process, stating, "I don’t know that we will directly work with him, but everyone needs support at some point. We all have things we can learn every day from others, so any time you get a mentor, I think that can help you through what you might have questions about. It’s a great opportunity."

In addition to this partnership, the board is also examining a memorandum of understanding with WVU Parkersburg, designed to provide students studying child development with on-site field experience within Harrison County schools. This initiative not only supports student training but also bolsters the link between theoretical education and practical application, which is critical for vocational development.

Furthermore, the Harrison County BOE is building a strategic alliance with Hope Gas to implement a two-year career and technical education program. This partnership, which will be part of the Hope Pathways program, aims to equip high school students with the skills necessary to enter the energy sector upon graduation. Devono emphasized the importance of such collaborations, stating, "It helps them by training their workforce so they can have a skilled workforce coming out of school for those that want to go into a technical or a trade and don’t necessarily want to go to a college-oriented profession."

Overall, these initiatives signify a robust commitment by the Harrison County BOE to equip students not only with education but with essential health services and career readiness skills that are aligned with local industry needs. This multi-faceted approach reflects a growing trend in local education systems to forge stronger ties with community partners, showcasing their commitment to holistic student development.

This month’s agenda will also see the board reviewing contracts related to health services, including the renewal of an existing agreement with Community Care of West Virginia to provide oversight of school-based health services along with a contract for dental services from the Monongalia County Health Department. Additionally, there will be discussions on a contractual commitment for music therapy services offered by Milestones & Music LLC, which caters to the diverse needs of students within the educational framework.

In summary, the Harrison County BOE's recent actions illustrate a comprehensive strategy to address the multidimensional needs of students. By tapping into local expertise and fostering partnerships with community organizations, the board is positioning itself to create a more effective learning environment that prioritizes health, career readiness, and educational excellence. As these initiatives take shape, procurement professionals and contractors should closely monitor the evolving landscape for opportunities to support and engage in similar programs.

• Procurement professionals should note the diverse contract opportunities spanning educational support services, health service providers, and construction-related school renovations.
• The involvement of local and state education entities, including the Harrison County Board of Education, West Virginia Department of Education, and School Building Authority, indicates multi-level collaboration and potential funding sources.
• Contractors specializing in student health, career education programs, and facility improvements can explore upcoming solicitations and partnership opportunities in the Clarksburg, West Virginia area.
• The focus on workforce development and health services suggests a growing demand for integrated service providers capable of supporting education and community health objectives.
• Opportunities may exist for businesses to tailor educational programs to local workforce needs, enhancing both student employability and community retention.
• Potential collaboration opportunities can arise from memorandums of understanding with institutions like WVU Parkersburg, especially in the domains of career and technical education.
• Schools continuing to partner with healthcare entities demonstrates a significant integration of health services in educational settings, creating avenues for wellness-focused contracts.
• The actions taken by the Harrison County BOE reflect broader trends in education that prioritize not just academic success, but overall student well-being within the community context.