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Harman officials and local groups urge board to transfer Harmon School to community control
Summary
Mayoral and community leaders told the Randolph County Schools board they want Harmon School transferred to the Town of Harman or to a local nonprofit planning a micro school, citing community continuity, proposed uses and a nonprofit timeline; the board did not make a final decision at the meeting.
Jerry Teter, mayor of the Town of Harman, told the Randolph County Schools board that his town has "thrown her hat in the ring for ownership of the building," urging the board to transfer Harmon School to the town so it can be preserved as an educational and community hub.
Carla Huffman, a parent from Harmon, told the board she supports the town council’s proposal and that the building could host sports, adult education, daycare and other services while prioritizing educational uses. "Harmon is more than just a building. It is a tradition," she said, asking the board to consider the town’s plan so students can continue to graduate from Harmon.
Dean Booker, speaking for the Harmon Education Association (HA), outlined HA’s plan to open a Christian-based micro school and described organizational steps already underway: a five-member board, planning committees for curriculum and fundraising, and engagement with a foundation group to file the IRS 1023 nonprofit application. Booker said HA "anticipates receiving its IRS nonprofit status in late 2026," and that Woodlands Development Group — a local 501(c)(3) partner — would accept the property and convey it to HA once nonprofit status is granted. Booker added that surveys indicate "approximately 40 of Harmon’s current students have interest in attending the micro school."
Janice Roy, who also addressed the board, said multiple local groups have expressed interest in the property and that some community members were confused about which entity would be granted ownership; she asked the board to weigh community plans and timelines before finalizing a transfer.
Speakers asked the board to include deed stipulations preserving school memorabilia and to prioritize nonprofit or community uses rather than private sale. Board members did not vote on the property transfer at the meeting; the presenters said the board had signaled an intention to dispose of the property prior to July 1 but provided no formal timeline or action at this session.
Why this matters: Community members framed the Harmon School transfer as a decision that would affect local educational options, community services and preservation of shared history. HA’s plan depends on securing nonprofit status and a partner to hold the property in trust until that status is final.
What’s next: Presenters asked the board to consider the town and HA proposals before the July 1 disposition date the presenters referenced; the board did not take formal action on the property during the meeting.
