HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Harrisonburg City School Board released a response to Rockingham County’s desired changes to the Massanutten Technical Center (MTC) Agreement during Tuesday night’s meeting.

The Board announced it will withdraw from MTC effectively as of June 30th, 2027.

During discussion, Chairwoman Emma Phillips said she is still shocked by how they got here.

“I hate that this is where we are, but I very much feel that we are different entities than when we started this school,” said Phillips. “Rockingham County has some really specific ideas about the direction that they want to move, and I want to wish them well in that direction.”

She added that although this relationship is not working, it does not mean other relationships between the city and the County will not work.

The motion passed 5 to 1 with board member Kaylene R Seigle abstaining.

On Wednesday morning, Superintendent Dr. Michael Richards released the following statement:

“Last night, the Harrisonburg City School Board made the very difficult decision to initiate the process of withdrawing from our long-standing partnership in the governance of Massanutten Technical Center (MTC), effective June 30, 2027.

This decision was not made lightly. For more than 50 years, our students have benefited from the programs and opportunities offered at MTC. We recognize and deeply value the experiences that so many Harrisonburg students have had there, and we are grateful for the many educators and staff who have helped students thrive through career and technical education.

However, in recent months, it has become increasingly clear that the collaborative foundation that once supported this joint endeavor no longer exists. As a result, the School Board concluded that it can no longer remain in a partnership that does not reflect our values of transparency, shared governance, and student-centered decision-making.

We know this news may raise concerns for students, families, and community members. Please be assured: our commitment to high-quality career and technical education is unwavering. In fact, this decision marks the beginning of a bold new chapter – one where we will design and build a CTE program that is tailored to the needs, strengths, and aspirations of Harrisonburg students.

Over the next two years, we will actively engage students, families, educators, employers, and community partners to reimagine what career and technical education can look like in Harrisonburg. We envision a program that is innovative, inclusive, and tightly connected to the dynamic needs of our local economy. Our students deserve nothing less.

To our students currently enrolled at MTC and those planning to enroll in the next two years: your opportunities will not be disrupted. We remain fully committed to our obligations through the end of the 2026-27 school year, and we will ensure that you receive the high-quality instruction and training you deserve.

We are proud of our students. We believe in their potential. And we are excited to shape a new path forward – one that opens even more doors for their futures.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Rockingham County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Larry Shifflett made the following statement:

“Massanutten Technical Center (MTC) has helped generations of students gain real-world skills that lead to good jobs and strong futures, whether in nursing, automotive technology, culinary arts, cybersecurity, or the trades. While Harrisonburg City Schools has decided to end its partnership after the 2026–2027 school year, Rockingham County Public Schools will continue to invest in MTC because we know how vital these programs are to students, families, and local employers.

We respect our neighbors in Harrisonburg and understand this decision was not made lightly. We are committed to supporting a smooth transition for all students currently enrolled, including those from the city. MTC’s mission remains the same: to prepare young people to live, work, and thrive in our communities, and we are proud to carry that work forward.”

MTC will continue to serve students from both Rockingham County and Harrisonburg City through the 2026–2027 school year, and RCPS is working closely with all partners to ensure a thoughtful, student-focused transition.”

For more information regarding MTC, read the articles below:

HCPS releases proposed agreement for Massanutten Technical Center – Rocktown Now

HCPS School Board voted to reject RCPS proposed changes in MTC Operating Agreement – Rocktown Now

Former RCPS Superintendent weighs in on MTC dispute – Rocktown Now

HCPS Releases Statement on RCPS’s Proposed Changes to the MTC Operating Agreement – Rocktown Now

MTC discussed during Harrisonburg City School Liaison Committee hearing – Rocktown Now

RCPS issues statement on commitment to strengthening CTE opportunities – Rocktown Now

MTC governing board meeting has divisive vote – Rocktown Now