HARMAN, W.Va. — When the Harman School in Randolph County closes at the end of the school year, a lot of people in the community don’t want those to be the final days of education in the building. Although Randolph County Board of Education has voted to close Harman, a group of residents have formed a group which aims to take over the education mission there.
“From everything we’ve been told, seeing an educational program continue would be high on the list of things the Board of Education would choose,” said Dan Bucher with the Harman Education Association. “That’s why we’re gearing up to provide an education program in the school building and we’re hoping the Board of Education will make that building available to us.”
Bucher said from what they can tell the school board can donate the school property to a non-profit organization and their idea to create a micro-school or some other form of school would fit the qualifications. Furthermore Bucher said those parents wanting to keep their children at Harman would be able to apply for the Hope Scholarship and put the money from that scholarship into the school’s upkeep and operations.
“That would be a legitimate expense for which the Hope Scholarship could apply,” he said.
Each student would qualify for $5,400 in Hope Scholarship funds. The school currently has 96 students in grades K-12. The organization is still trying to gauge how many of those students will want to continue attending Harman next year. Bucher said they realize not everybody will be on board. Some will choose home schooling others will go to Elkins and others to Tucker County. A survey revealed a little over 30 families thought who have indicated a desire to stay put.
“A planning committee is really working on a lot of aspects. From curriculum to building maintenance and repairs, utilities, anything that goes into operating a school which as you can imagine is a monumental task, ” he said.
Although it sounded like a daunting task, Bucher said those interested are turning to their faith for the confidence to keep the school operational.
“All through history when there have been difficulties, challenges, and disasters, God has a way to turning things around for good. So, although this has been a pretty hard blow to our community, God has a way he can turn this around into something positive. That’s our faith and we believe in that,” he said.