Most people may assume that the West Virginia State Board of Education’s decision to accept the closure of Harman School on December 10, 2025, concluded the matter. That is not necessarily the case.

There is an appeal process in contesting the State BOE’s decision. A formal appeal must be made within 30 days of the State BOE decision. Rarely is that process pursued as it takes a great deal of time and effort to prepare a serious appeal. An appeal is being submitted on behalf of Harman.

Members of the Harman community, along with many Randolph County residents, have formally expressed concerns about potential bullying, discrimination, safety, and adverse effects on rural children that may arise from the closure of Harman School.

During the public hearings concerning Harman School and through various public comments, it has been demonstrated that information presented was found to be misleading, inaccurate, and incomplete in not only the Impact Statement but the transportation routes proposed as well. These documents were submitted to the State Board of Education and served as a key factor in their decision-making process.

To date, our current educational system gives limited consideration to the rural communities’ efforts to preserve their schools, or the impact it will have beyond the community, basing significant decisions on financial concerns rather than ensuring a thorough, efficient and safe education.

However, the appeal process seeks accountability of those in office both locally and at the state level. It provides an opportunity to offer accurate information through multiple means and challenges the inaccurate information used to arrive at the decision to close Harman School.

In 1795 Edmund Burke reportedly wrote in a letter, “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men (and women) to do nothing.”

In November of 2024, Harman residents advised the County BOE not to: “underestimate the love we (Harman parents and grandparents) have for our children and grandchildren or the tenacity and resolve with which we will fight for their wellbeing”.

Phil Perrine

Dan Bucher

Harman