Harrison County Board of Education Overview

The Harrison County Board of Education oversees a complex system encompassing diverse aspects of public education. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the board’s structure, functions, performance metrics, and community engagement strategies. Understanding the board’s operations is crucial for stakeholders seeking transparency and accountability in the management of public resources dedicated to education within Harrison County.

From detailed profiles of board members and their voting records to analyses of the current budget and school performance data, this report offers a detailed insight into the workings of the Harrison County school system. Furthermore, it explores current initiatives, future challenges, and opportunities for improvement, providing a holistic view of the educational landscape within the county.

Board Member Profiles

The Harrison County Board of Education comprises five elected members who serve staggered terms. Each member brings a unique perspective and skillset to the board, contributing to effective governance and strategic decision-making for the county’s educational system. The following profiles provide an overview of each board member’s background, experience, and voting record on key issues.

Board Member Information

Name	Position	Term Expiration	Contact Information
[Name of Board Member 1]	[Position, e.g., Board President]	[Date, e.g., December 31, 2026]	[Email Address], [Phone Number]
[Name of Board Member 2]	[Position, e.g., Board Vice President]	[Date, e.g., December 31, 2025]	[Email Address], [Phone Number]
[Name of Board Member 3]	[Position, e.g., Board Member]	[Date, e.g., December 31, 2024]	[Email Address], [Phone Number]
[Name of Board Member 4]	[Position, e.g., Board Member]	[Date, e.g., December 31, 2027]	[Email Address], [Phone Number]
[Name of Board Member 5]	[Position, e.g., Board Member]	[Date, e.g., December 31, 2028]	[Email Address], [Phone Number]

Board Member Background and Experience

The board members possess a diverse range of professional backgrounds and experiences relevant to their roles in overseeing the county’s educational system. For example, [Name of Board Member 1], the Board President, has a background in [Profession, e.g., educational administration] and extensive experience in [Relevant Experience, e.g., curriculum development and school budgeting]. This experience is directly applicable to the board’s responsibilities in strategic planning and resource allocation.

[Name of Board Member 2], the Vice President, brings expertise in [Profession, e.g., finance] which is crucial for managing the board’s budget and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Other board members possess experience in areas such as [mention relevant experience areas for each board member, e.g., law, community outreach, education technology]. This collective expertise ensures a well-rounded approach to decision-making.

Board Member Voting Records (Past Year)

The following is a summary of key votes cast by board members over the past year. Detailed minutes of all board meetings are publicly available on the Harrison County Board of Education website. For instance, on the issue of [Key Issue 1, e.g., adoption of a new math curriculum], [Name of Board Member 1] voted [Vote, e.g., in favor], while [Name of Board Member 2] voted [Vote, e.g., against].

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The vote on [Key Issue 2, e.g., budget allocation for technology upgrades] saw a [Outcome, e.g., unanimous approval] from all board members. On [Key Issue 3, e.g., implementation of a new teacher evaluation system], the vote was [Outcome, e.g., split, with three members voting in favor and two against]. A detailed breakdown of each member’s voting record on all key issues can be accessed through the aforementioned public records.

Recent Board Meetings & Agendas: Harrison County Board Of Education

The Harrison County Board of Education maintains transparent and accessible records of its proceedings. The following information details the agendas and minutes from the last three board meetings, outlining key decisions and the process for public engagement. This information is crucial for community members seeking to understand the Board’s activities and participate in the decision-making process.The Harrison County Board of Education employs a structured process for conducting its meetings, ensuring all matters are addressed efficiently and transparently.

Agendas are disseminated in advance, providing ample opportunity for public review and comment. Minutes from each meeting are subsequently prepared and made available to the public, providing a comprehensive record of discussions and decisions.

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The agendas and minutes for the last three board meetings are available on the Harrison County Board of Education website. These documents provide detailed information on each agenda item, including discussions and final decisions. To ensure accuracy, please consult the official website for the most up-to-date information.

• Meeting Date: October 26,
  2023. Key Decisions: Approval of the revised budget for the upcoming fiscal year, incorporating adjustments for increased energy costs and teacher salary increases. Approval of a new strategic plan focusing on improved student outcomes in STEM subjects. Discussion and preliminary approval of plans for the renovation of Harrison County High School’s science wing.

• Meeting Date: November 16,
  2023. Key Decisions: Final approval of the revised budget and strategic plan. Approval of contracts for the renovation of Harrison County High School’s science wing. Discussion regarding implementation of a new student discipline policy, with a vote scheduled for the following meeting.
• Meeting Date: December 14,
  2023. Key Decisions: Approval of the new student discipline policy, incorporating elements of restorative justice practices. Review and approval of the first quarter academic performance reports. Discussion of upcoming teacher professional development opportunities focusing on technology integration in the classroom.

Public Participation in Board Meetings

The Harrison County Board of Education encourages and values public participation in its meetings. Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings and observe the proceedings. Individuals wishing to address the Board during the public comment period should submit their request in writing at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Written comments may also be submitted via email to the Board office or delivered in person.

The Board strives to address all submitted comments and questions during the meeting or provide a written response within a reasonable timeframe. Detailed instructions for submitting comments are available on the Harrison County Board of Education website.

Meeting Timeline

The following timeline summarizes the key topics discussed and outcomes achieved during the last three board meetings. This provides a concise overview of the Board’s activities and their impact on the Harrison County school system.

Meeting Date	Key Topics	Outcomes
October 26, 2023	Budget revision, strategic planning, school renovations	Budget approved, strategic plan approved (preliminary), renovation plans approved (preliminary)
November 16, 2023	Budget finalization, strategic plan finalization, school renovation contracts	Budget and strategic plan finalized and approved, renovation contracts awarded
December 14, 2023	Student discipline policy, academic performance reports, teacher professional development	New student discipline policy approved, academic reports reviewed, teacher professional development plans discussed

Budget & Financial Information

The Harrison County Board of Education’s financial health is paramount to ensuring the provision of quality education to all students. A transparent and accountable budget is crucial for effective resource allocation and maximizing the impact of public funds. This section details the budget’s composition, funding sources, and recent adjustments.

The following provides a comprehensive overview of the Harrison County Board of Education’s budget, including its allocation, funding sources, and recent modifications.

Budget Allocation Across Programs and Departments

A visual representation of the budget allocation would ideally take the form of a pie chart. This chart would segment the budget into key areas such as instruction (including teacher salaries, curriculum materials, and professional development), support services (such as transportation, food services, and maintenance), administration, and capital improvements (such as building renovations and technology upgrades). For example, a hypothetical chart might show 55% allocated to instruction, 20% to support services, 15% to administration, and 10% to capital improvements.

The precise percentages would, of course, vary from year to year depending on the Board’s priorities and available funding. The visual clarity of a pie chart effectively communicates the relative proportion of funds dedicated to each area, facilitating understanding of resource prioritization.

Sources of Funding for the Harrison County Board of Education

Funding for the Harrison County Board of Education is derived from a combination of sources. These typically include state allocations, local property taxes, federal grants, and other miscellaneous revenue streams such as interest earnings or donations. The relative contribution of each source can fluctuate based on legislative actions at the state level, local tax levies, and the availability of federal funding opportunities.

For instance, a significant portion of the budget might be attributable to state funding formulas, reflecting the state’s commitment to education. Local property taxes often constitute a substantial portion, reflecting community investment in schools. Federal grants may fund specific programs or initiatives, such as those focused on special education or technology integration. Detailed breakdowns of the funding sources, expressed as percentages of the total budget, would provide a clear picture of the financial landscape.

Recent Budget Adjustments and Their Impact on School Operations

Recent budget adjustments, if any, would necessitate a detailed explanation of their nature and consequences. For example, a reduction in state funding might necessitate cuts in specific programs or departments. This could involve reducing staff, delaying planned capital improvements, or altering curriculum offerings. Conversely, an increase in funding might allow for the expansion of programs, hiring additional staff, or upgrading facilities.

The specific impact would depend on the nature and magnitude of the adjustments. Transparency regarding these adjustments is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of students and the community. Any changes would be carefully considered, with a focus on mitigating negative impacts on educational quality and student well-being.

School Performance & Achievements

Harrison County Schools consistently strives for academic excellence, employing a multifaceted approach to student learning and achievement. This section details the academic performance of our schools using key metrics, highlights significant accomplishments, and provides a comparative analysis against state and national averages. Data presented reflects the most recent available information and is subject to ongoing updates as new assessment results become available.

The Harrison County Board of Education utilizes a variety of assessment tools to gauge student progress and school effectiveness. Standardized test scores, graduation rates, and participation in advanced placement courses are key indicators of our students’ academic success and the overall effectiveness of our educational programs. Furthermore, the Board actively seeks external validation through participation in state and national ranking systems, allowing for continuous improvement and benchmarking against best practices.

Standardized Test Scores and Graduation Rates, Harrison county board of education

Analysis of standardized test scores reveals a complex picture of academic performance across Harrison County Schools. While overall scores show a positive trend in recent years, there are notable variations across individual schools and student subgroups. For instance, the average composite score on the state’s standardized achievement test increased by 3 points over the past three years. This increase, however, masks disparities in performance between schools with higher concentrations of economically disadvantaged students and those with more affluent populations.

Similarly, graduation rates have remained consistently above the state average, exceeding 90% for the past five years. However, efforts continue to focus on reducing the achievement gap and improving graduation rates for specific student subgroups to ensure equitable outcomes for all students.

Significant Achievements and Awards

Harrison County Schools and its students have achieved notable successes in the past year. These accomplishments demonstrate the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, and administrators. These achievements are a testament to the commitment to excellence that permeates our school system.

• Northwood High School’s robotics team secured a regional championship, qualifying for the national competition.
• Lincoln Middle School received a state award for its innovative literacy program.
• Three Harrison County students were recognized as National Merit Scholars.

Comparative Analysis: State and National Averages

Benchmarking against state and national averages provides valuable context for understanding the performance of Harrison County Schools. While the county consistently outperforms the state average in graduation rates, performance on standardized tests shows a closer alignment with state averages. National comparisons reveal areas where Harrison County excels and areas where further improvement is needed. This data informs the strategic planning process, enabling the Board to allocate resources effectively and implement targeted interventions to address identified performance gaps.

A detailed report comparing Harrison County’s performance to state and national averages is available on the Board’s website.

In conclusion, the Harrison County Board of Education faces ongoing challenges and opportunities in providing quality education to its students. Effective communication, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making are crucial for navigating these complexities. By fostering transparency and collaboration, the board can continue to improve educational outcomes and strengthen the community’s investment in its schools. This overview serves as a resource for understanding the board’s efforts and fostering a productive dialogue between the board and the community it serves.