Harmon Education Association and Harmon Town Council present plan to reopen Harmon School as K–12 school and community hub

Representatives from the Harmon Education Association (HEA) and the Harmon Town Council presented a proposal to reuse the Harmon school building as a K–12 school and community advancement center, describing staffing plans, facilities use, funding assumptions and legal mechanisms for property transfer.

Dan Booker, president of the HEA, introduced the group and said the association has formed as an educational nonprofit and that the IRS 501(c)(3) application is "in process." Jessica Byrne described the group's mission "to educate and nurture students in the light of God's word" and said the group has held community meetings since March and has selected a school administrator.

HEA board member Mark Bonner presented preliminary financial assumptions: projected enrollment of approximately 45 students; HOPE Scholarship funding estimated at a little over $5,400 per student (which Bonner multiplied to about $244,000); estimated donations of $100,000 and grants of $30,000 for a projected total operating budget of about $374,000. Bonner said those projections rely on assumptions that formal fundraising will begin only if the building is awarded; HEA reported it already has $10,000 in donations and another $20,000 pledged contingent on receiving the building.

Presenters described partnerships and interim structures: Trish Booker said the Foundation Group and Herzog Foundation Schoolbox program have provided assistance; local nonprofits (Tucker County Foundation and Woodland Development) would act as pass-through or interim holders while HEA's 501(c)(3) is established. Presenters said Woodlands (Woodland Development) would be the interim holder of the property until HEA's nonprofit status is finalized and that Woodlands is a 501(c)(3).

Michelle Rhodes said the school would emphasize outdoor and hands-on learning, and HEA described plans for before- and after-school care, daycare, Head Start partnerships, adult education, workforce training and use of the facility as a community hub and emergency shelter. Rebecca Vance, speaking for the Harmon Town Council, emphasized community identity and argued the building should remain in nonprofit or municipal hands rather than private ownership.

A council representative cited West Virginia code provisions (including West Virginia Code 18-5-7F, 1-5-3 and 18-5-7B) describing mechanisms that can allow intergovernmental transfers or transfers to private nonprofit community organizations and noted statutory restrictions such as clawback provisions and transfer conditions that would apply.

Board members asked clarifying questions about 501(c)(3) status and coordination between applicant groups; presenters said goals are aligned and that Woodlands or the town could act as an interim holder while HEA completes nonprofit formation. The board said it will forward the application materials to legal counsel and expects counsel's advice before it acts; the board planned to discuss the item again at its June 2 meeting.

The presenters provided projected enrollment, funding assumptions and partnership commitments but did not present a signed transfer agreement or final contract terms during the meeting. The board recorded questions and stated that a legal review will precede any property transfer decision.