By Haley Thomas, contributor
Some Harrisonburg children might get assigned to different schools than they otherwise would have attended, as the school board seeks to address overcrowding — particularly at Waterman Elementary.
Superintendent Michael Richards highlighted the issue during Tuesday’s school board meeting, noting that Waterman is 28% over capacity, with 570 students in a building designed for 446.
The proposed Quarry Heights development, which Harrisonburg City Council approved last week, could further strain school capacities, as it’s expected to bring more families into the area as it’s completed over the next decade.
“We’re very precise in terms of … if you’re going to build something or move students into a particular part of our city, what that is likely to generate in terms of student numbers,” Richards said.
Quarry Heights would be built between Waterman and Bluestone Elementary, which has a capacity of 755 but currently enrolls only around 550 students. Richards said Bluestone appears to be the most viable option for absorbing excess students from Waterman, and he said he’s confident that a targeted rezoning needs to occur.
However, Richards said any decisions will consider a range of factors, including maintaining demographic balance and ensuring student safety and walkability. It’s also a process the public needs to be “very much aware and involved” in, he said, as he urged board members not to make a hasty decision.
“Rezoning is an emotional thing… and we don’t want to do it unless we have to,” Richards said. “And this isn’t going to happen right away. We’re not sure it’s going to happen at all.”
Richards said his goal is to reduce enrollment at Waterman to within 10% of its capacity, and that additional staff will be hired as needed to manage growth. He aims to bring a plan to the board in January for a first pass, after which there will be a public hearing.
“It’s a very transparent process; it does need to happen in time for families to make the adjustment and get used to the idea of being asked to move to a different school,” Richards said, adding that he’d like for the board to vote by mid-March.
Harrisonburg School Board Bids Farewell to Two Members
The Harrisonburg City School Board honored two members — Deb Fitzgerald and Tom Domonoske — during their final meeting (and the board’s final meeting of 2024). Fitzgerald and Domonoske opted not to seek re-election this year. Richards and board members paid tribute to their contributions, highlighting their dedication and impact on the district.
Richards began by addressing Domonoske, who joined the board in 2022.
“You stepped up and filled a big hole in leadership,” Richards said, referring to Domonoske’s appointment after former board chair Nick Swayne left to become president at North Idaho College. “We needed somebody who could hit the ground running, somebody with skills, somebody smart, somebody who had some experience in leadership in this kind of a role.”
Richards praised Domonoske for seamlessly stepping into a crucial leadership role when the district needed him most.
“You have dedicated time, energy, and intellect to this mission,” Richards said. “I know you have a very rich personal and professional life, and you gave us time and energy, and we have all greatly benefited from that.”
Turning to Fitzgerald, who was first elected to the board in 2016, Richards said her leadership skills are a major reason why he felt drawn to HCPS, and warned that he “might get mushy” during his remarks to her. He said that before he became superintendent of HCPS in 2019, he began researching Fitzgerald, who served as board chair at the time.
“I knew how important it was to have a vision that aligned with the school board, and not just a vision for where the school division needs to go, but a vision of leadership,“ Richards said. “I watched videos of these [school board] meetings, I looked at minutes, I looked at news stories, and I really, really liked what I saw. I figured that you and I were going to have an aligned vision for leadership, and when I got here I realized very quickly that that was true.”
Among the accomplishments Richards cited were the “10-years overdue” construction of Rocktown High School, creation of the division’s strategic plan and inclusivity statement, and oversight of a high school that has 70% free and reduced lunch and 96% graduation rate.
“Look at the things we’ve accomplished,” Richards said. “That is in part, in big part, due to your leadership.”
Board member Emma Phillips echoed Richards’ sentiments.
“My last two years here have been with these people and it has been delightful,” Phillips said. “The work’s been hard, but everybody on this board comes together and does that work with a smile on their face, and I’m really going to miss you [both].”
Fitzgerald smiled, and said the board has “two great people coming on” in January, referring to Tim Howley and Matt Snyder who won their seats in November.
Kaylene Seigle, elected to the board the same year as Fitzgerald and who was re-elected last month, also shared her appreciation.
“Many people know that we have, you know, differences in opinions,” Seigle said. “But it’s been a great challenge, and I respect that and wish you both the best.”
Fitzgerald and Domonoske echoed thank-yous as board members gave their remarks. Both members were presented with plaques, but Richards emphasized that their contributions went beyond physical tokens.
“It continues to amaze me what good work has done at HCPS,” Domonoske said. “It starts with the board ensuring that the school system is heading in the right direction. You all do great work, and it was a privilege to spend this time with you.”
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