The Harrison County Board of Education met again to “discuss” the City of Clarksburg’s request to take ownership of three now-closed public properties: Washington Irving Middle School, North View Elementary, and Hite Field.
And again—they kicked the can.
Superintendent Dora Stutler says the board is still “weighing options” and awaiting property appraisals. That might sound reasonable, until you remember these conversations have been happening for months, and the city is ready to move forward.
Let’s be clear: the buildings have already been closed. They are no longer serving students or the public in any capacity. They’re inactive. Hite Field sits unused. The schools are sealed. Every day the board stalls, the risk of disrepair and vandalism increases—and the neighborhoods around them sit in limbo.
Meanwhile, Clarksburg has put forward thoughtful, community-based plans for reuse: public parks, community development, parking, green space, and yes—keeping the gymnasium accessible for RCB students if needed.
So why the hold-up?
It’s starting to feel less like caution and more like obstruction. If the Board of Education isn’t going to use these properties and won’t work with the city to return them to productive use, then maybe it’s time we stop asking nicely.
Under West Virginia law, once a property is no longer serving its public purpose, it becomes a candidate for eminent domain. That includes one government agency taking from another—when it’s in the public interest.
The taxpayers already paid for these properties once.
They shouldn’t have to buy them again.
If the BOE refuses to act, the City of Clarksburg should.
Going to auction is too big a risk to the future of our neighborhoods. If I were currently on the city council, we’d be getting aggressive and pushing the BOE with a much heavier tone—so I guess they’re lucky I’m just writing articles now and don’t hold any real power.
Superintendent Dora Stutler says, “We want what’s best for the community.”
That sounds nice—but it doesn’t match the BOE’s actions. How could you make ANY argument that an auction benefits the community in any way? It is a reckless crime against the community.
The City Council needs to speak in a deeper voice and stop asking softly. What’s best for Clarksburg is transferring these properties for public reuse. It is the duty of those elected to the Clarksburg City Council to stand up for the voters and now is their moment to do their job. Define who you are now or be ready to pay for it in the next election.
If the board of education truly wanted what was best for the community, they’d be acting on it already.
By Gary Keith, Clarksburg News and Observer