Culpeper County Public Schools -

The new school will open in 2027–2028 with capacity for 650 students to help address overcrowding at the elementary level.

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Culpeper County Public Schools celebrated the groundbreaking of its seventh elementary school, Mountain Run Elementary. The beautiful sunny afternoon provided the perfect setting for a community celebration marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the school division.

Attendees included all seven members of the Culpeper County School Board, members of the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors, school division leadership, Dan Weigand of RRMM Architects, and Matt Truschel, Michael Truschel, and Kevin Heiser of Taft Construction, the project’s general contractor.

The ceremony began at 1 p.m. on the future school site just off Greens Corner Road, across from Eastern View High School. Division Superintendent Dr. Tony Brads opened the event with welcoming remarks and recognition of the special guests in attendance before introducing the first speaker, Culpeper County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Gary Deal. Deal spoke about the magnitude of the project and the strong community collaboration that made it possible.  Supervisor David Lee followed. A retired educator, Lee emphasized the importance of a strong start in elementary education and the lasting impact it has on a child’s academic journey.

CCPS Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Rob Hauman then addressed the crowd. “Today, as we break ground for Mountain Run Elementary, we mark more than the start of a construction project, we mark the beginning of new opportunities for our children, our families, and the future of this community,” Hauman said. “This school represents our shared commitment to giving every child a safe, inspiring place to learn and dream big.”

Hauman also highlighted the collaborative effort that brought the project to this milestone, extending thanks to the Board of Supervisors, School Board, and Joint Capital Planning Committee. “Your leadership, collaboration, and unwavering support have been essential to bringing this plan to life,” he said. 

The final speaker was Angie Fiscus, founding principal of Mountain Run Elementary. Fiscus currently serves as principal of Yowell Elementary and will remain there through next school year until the new school opens.

Fiscus noted the quick turnaround for the project and shared her excitement that the school will welcome students in just 17 months. “One of the things that makes this moment especially meaningful is that Mountain Run Elementary represents the coming together of six elementary schools across our school division,” Fiscus said. “We are bringing together students, staff, and families from different spaces and places to build something new together.”

She also echoed the importance of the elementary school experience. “Elementary schools are places where childhood memories are made. The work beginning here today will create a school where students will read their first books, learn foundational math skills, perform in concerts, proudly display their artwork, and ultimately make memories that last a lifetime.”

Dr. Brads concluded the ceremony before participants gathered for commemorative groundbreaking photos to mark the historic occasion.

Culpeper County Public Schools extends appreciation to the CCPS Maintenance Department and the Eastern View High School Athletic Department for their assistance in setting up the ceremony.

When it opens in 2027, Mountain Run Elementary School will have a capacity of 650 students and will help relieve crowding across the division’s existing elementary schools.  The project represents an important investment in the future of Culpeper County’s students and growing community.