Rockingham County Public Schools - Virginia

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2025

Rockingham County Public Schools (RCPS) and the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors held a joint meeting on August 20, 2025 to discuss the future of Massanutten Technical Center (MTC) following Harrisonburg City Public Schools’ (HCPS) decision to withdraw from the joint MTC agreement, effective June 30, 2027.

During the meeting, Dr. Larry Shifflett, RCPS Division Superintendent, and School Board Attorney Daniel Rose provided updates on next steps and future planning:

Planning for RCPS-Only Operations: Dr. Shifflett shared that school leaders met on August 19 to assess program capacity and enrollment projections. He expressed confidence that RCPS will continue to fully utilize MTC, noting strong student interest and even potential for waitlists in some program areas.

Terms of Withdrawal: Attorney Daniel Rose outlined the process required under the MTC Operating Agreement. HCPS must convey its 20% interest in MTC property and assets. In turn, RCPS will compensate HCPS based on the fair market value of that interest, determined by two independent appraisals. Payment will be made over seven years, interest-free, with the option to offer educational services in lieu of cash, allowing RCPS to “sell back” program seats to HCPS.

Commitment to Seamless Transition: Dr. Shifflett also shared that after conversations with Harrisonburg City School’s Superintendent Dr. Richards, they are both committed to maintaining a collaborative relationship during the transition and ensuring continued service for their students through 2027.

Shared Fiscal Responsibility: As part of the joint discussion, the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors agreed to reset the Request for Proposals (RFP) process. This reset will allow the County to reevaluate how to best support MTC’s future development while being fiscally responsible with local taxpayer dollars.

While RCPS is disappointed in the outcome of the long-standing partnership with HCPS, Superintendent Dr. Shifflett emphasized the district’s commitment to moving forward with a renewed focus on student opportunity, workforce development, and community collaboration.

“Everything we do  in RCPS, and especially MTC, supports economic development in our region, helping students earn credentials that make them competitive in the workforce,” said Dr. Shifflett. “The upcoming build at Innovation Village will stand as a symbol of what’s possible when we invest in our future.”

As the MTC Executive Board continues to govern through June 30, 2027, RCPS remains committed to transparent and ongoing communication with all partners.

“We are grateful to the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors for their strong support and shared commitment to MTC and the future of workforce education in our region,” said Dr. Shifflett.

Rockingham County Public Schools and the Board of Supervisors will host a community conversation on September 10, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. at Frieden Farms. The event will bring RCPS, Board of Supervisors,  and local business leaders together to discuss current MTC programming, identify future workforce needs, and explore opportunities to expand access in underserved fields. Invitations to business leaders will be distributed in the coming days.