At the March 5, 2019 School Board meeting, Dr. Michael G. Richards was appointed as our superintendent, effective May 1, 2019. Read the press release.

Harrisonburg City Public Schools has an opening for the position of Superintendent, to begin on or after July 1, 2019.  Mr. J. Patrick Lintner has been appointed to serve as Interim Superintendent effective August 10, 2018. 

On July 25, 2018, the Harrisonburg City School Board voted to create a request for proposals (RFP) to find and hire a national recruiting firm to help conduct the search for the next permanent superintendent of Harrisonburg City Public Schools.  Though this approach may extend the search a bit, the Board feels it is important to generate a wide and deep pool of applicants in order to find the person who best matches the school division's values and fundamentally understands the mission of HCPS:  A place where learning has no limits and together we work for the success of all. 

On September 25, 2018, the Harrisonburg City School Board voted to accept the proposal submitted by BWP and Associates.

Documents

• Leadership Profile - November 2018
• Community Engagement Report - November 2018
• Superintendent Online Survey Results, to date - November 2018
• Vacancy Announcement - October 2018
• Press Release for Superintendent Search - October 2018

Community Input

The School Board is seeking community input on our superintendent search.  Community forums were held Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, 2018. ​​​​​​​An online survey was also available and has since closed.

Draft Timeline for Superintendent Search

September 2018

• Consultants meet with Board Chairperson

October 2018

• Community, public, and staff engagement activities begin
• Initiate public and employee online survey
• Finalize vacancy posting

October 2018 - January 2019

• Advertise and recruit

January 2019

• Applications due to consultants
• Consultants review recommended candidate slate with designated team
• Board selects candidates for interview
• First interviews held

February 2019

• Board selects finalists
• Second interviews held
• Board selects candidate

TBD 2019

• New superintendent begins

About our city: Harrisonburg is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley with the Blue Ridge Mountains on the east and the Allegheny Mountains on the west. Harrisonburg is within a two hour drive of Washington, DC and the cities of Richmond, Charlottesville, and Roanoke, Virginia. It is currently among the fastest growing cities in the state with a population of over 50,000. Harrisonburg is proud to have two universities within a five-mile radius of the city. Harrisonburg offers a wide variety of activities for art and history lovers as well as outdoor enthusiasts. Harrisonburg offers residents and visitors a rich historical and cultural experience, a plethora of ethnic dining options, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Harrisonburg is also known for its vibrant downtown, 19th century architecture, bike-friendly streets, family-friendly museums, innovative dining spots, and locally-owned shops. The City supports a number of festivals and events, including a summer film and music series, weekly live music performances, biannual Taste of Downtown week, and numerous beer, wine and music festivals.

About our schools: Harrisonburg has a very diverse student population with approximately 6,300 students, 800 employees and a $80 million budget. The Division has one pre-k early learning center, 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and one high school. All schools are accredited by the Virginia Department of Education. In addition, the division collaborates with adjoining school divisions to offer other educational programs. In Harrisonburg Public Schools, we hold high expectations for all students – we are not satisfied until every student experiences access, inclusion, and success in the educational setting. We are a place where learning has no limits and together we work for the success of all.