Deb’s Impact
Harrisonburg High School 2 - HHS2
Deb signed the contract for HHS2, attended the breaking ground ceremony, and worked with her fellow school board members to begin the process of developing the academic, music, science, arts, technology and athletic programming at both schools to deliver outstanding education for our children. Given the crushing financial hit all localities have taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Harrisonburg School Board and City Council have voted to delay to project. Deb still stands by the words spoken in her groundbreaking ceremony speech. “It’ll just take us awhile longer to get there.” (May 2020)
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring of Superintendent Richards
The former superintendent of HCPS, Dr. Scott Kizner, had been with the system for eight years, and Deb was School Board Chair when he tendered his resignation in the summer of 2018. Shortly thereafter, the school board appointed an interim superintendent from within the system, and voted to hire outside consultant BWP & Associates to conduct the search for a new leader.
As the process began, BWP recommended the same School Board Chair remain through the entire search to enable one member to serve as point person to manage communications, logistics and contract negotiation during the hiring process. The school board agreed, and Deb served as Chair for two consecutive years. Dr. Michael Richard agreed to HCPS contract terms in Feb. 2019 and took over in May of that year. (May 2020)
Dr. Michael Richard
Dr. Richard has eclectic experience including special education, gifted education, research and development, state assessment and classroom teaching. Read more
Harrisonburg City Public Schools Strategic Plan
Deb helped initiate and guide the logistics for the development of a modern strategic plan that gathered input from many stakeholders in the city. The new plan is comprehensive, coherent and ambitious. Soon the School Board will vote it forward, which includes this revised mission statement:
Harrisonburg City Schools is a dynamic and diverse community where each person is valued and empowered to pursue their personal goals. Through deep commitment to each student and working together to meet the needs of all, we will empower students with dispositions and skills to be successful in school and beyond.