HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Just three days after Rocktown High School graduated its first ever class, Harrisonburg City Public Schools announced in a letter to parents that principal Tamara Mines will not be returning next year.
Mines was first hired as the principal of Rocktown in 2023, and now the school system is starting to search for her replacement. HCPS superintendent Michael Richards said in a letter to parents that this change in leadership may come as a surprise, but that it was “the result of a thoughtful and thorough process.”
Richards said the school division waited to preserve the spirit of last Saturday’s graduation celebration and opted to give Mines the option to participate in the milestone event. The letter does not clarify whether Mines left voluntarily or if she was terminated from her position. However, in a response to WHSV’s request for comment, Richards said the school system took its time with the decision.
“As a school division, we take the performance and leadership of our principals very seriously, and we work hard to support them — especially when they are facing challenges. Much of this support happens behind the scenes and may not always be visible to the broader community,” Richards said. “What I can say is that decisions regarding the continuation of any principal are made with great care and with the long-term interests of the school and its students in mind.”
Richards added that out of respect for Mines’ privacy and professional standards, he cannot share details about personnel matters. As for the search for a new principal, he said the current leadership team will continue to guide all planning for next year while the school district continues its search.
The change comes after a parent-led petition came out in March, citing issues with the school administration’s lack of communication and transparency. However, there is no confirmation that had a part in her departure.
The petition mentions “critical issues” involving lack of communication and responsiveness, alleging emails from parents and students went unanswered or unaddressed, and that the lack of engagement “undermines trust and prevents constructive collaboration.” The petition also talked about an “unwelcoming environment for parents and community members” and said “the administration has failed to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture.”
The responses of that petition were sent to the superintendent and central office of HCPS.
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