Hold Rockingham County Public Schools Accountable
The Issue
Rockingham County Public Schools has announced the appointment of a new principal of Peak View Elementary. This principal held a leadership role as Principal at Elkton Middle School during the time a teacher and coach—now indicted—allegedly abused a student. The case remains under active investigation.
Appointing this principal to a new leadership role while this investigation is ongoing introduces significant risks for the district.
Importantly, after leaving Elkton Middle, John Rose IV was able to secure another position at Bedford County Public Schools, putting more children at risk.
This fact underscores the need to fully understand how and why accountability gaps may have occurred—and whether leadership actions enabled or failed to prevent the accused individual from continuing in roles of responsibility elsewhere.
Parents deserve confidence that every decision prioritizes their children’s well-being. This appointment, under the shadow of an unresolved investigation, raises valid concerns about whether past student safety was sufficiently protected—and whether this leadership transition reflects due diligence.
At a time when student safety and public trust should be paramount, moving forward with this appointment sends the wrong message.
The district must exercise caution and demonstrate its commitment to transparency. We strongly urge RCPS to reconsider this new principal’s role until the investigation into John Rose IV is concluded and all potential implications are fully addressed.
We ask RCPS to delay or reverse this appointment until there is full transparency, clarity, and resolution regarding the ongoing investigation.
Make your voice heard!
In addition to signing this petition:
📧 Email Superintendent Dr. Larry Shifflett
✉️ lfshifflett@rockingham.k12.va.us
📞 Call the Superintendent's Office
📞 (540) 564-3230
Suggested Message:
"I'm deeply concerned about the recent appointment of the new principal at Peak View Elementary while the investigation into John Rose IV remains unresolved. I urge RCPS to prioritize transparency and student safety by reconsidering this appointment until the investigation concludes."
Victory
The Issue
Rockingham County Public Schools has announced the appointment of a new principal of Peak View Elementary. This principal held a leadership role as Principal at Elkton Middle School during the time a teacher and coach—now indicted—allegedly abused a student. The case remains under active investigation.
Appointing this principal to a new leadership role while this investigation is ongoing introduces significant risks for the district.
Importantly, after leaving Elkton Middle, John Rose IV was able to secure another position at Bedford County Public Schools, putting more children at risk.
This fact underscores the need to fully understand how and why accountability gaps may have occurred—and whether leadership actions enabled or failed to prevent the accused individual from continuing in roles of responsibility elsewhere.
Parents deserve confidence that every decision prioritizes their children’s well-being. This appointment, under the shadow of an unresolved investigation, raises valid concerns about whether past student safety was sufficiently protected—and whether this leadership transition reflects due diligence.
At a time when student safety and public trust should be paramount, moving forward with this appointment sends the wrong message.
The district must exercise caution and demonstrate its commitment to transparency. We strongly urge RCPS to reconsider this new principal’s role until the investigation into John Rose IV is concluded and all potential implications are fully addressed.
We ask RCPS to delay or reverse this appointment until there is full transparency, clarity, and resolution regarding the ongoing investigation.
Make your voice heard!
In addition to signing this petition:
📧 Email Superintendent Dr. Larry Shifflett
✉️ lfshifflett@rockingham.k12.va.us
📞 Call the Superintendent's Office
📞 (540) 564-3230
Suggested Message:
"I'm deeply concerned about the recent appointment of the new principal at Peak View Elementary while the investigation into John Rose IV remains unresolved. I urge RCPS to prioritize transparency and student safety by reconsidering this appointment until the investigation concludes."
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Petition created on April 30, 2025