Statement from the School Board

The Albemarle County School Board has requested the resignation of Dr. Matthew Haas as Superintendent of Albemarle County Public Schools. The details of that transition are being worked through with the Board’s Chief Legal Officer and Dr. Haas.

This is a difficult moment for our school division and for our community. Our first responsibility is, and must always be, the safety, well-being, and trust of our students, families, staff, and schools. We recognize the pain, anger, fear, and frustration that many members of our community are experiencing, particularly in connection with recent events involving Hollymead and Woodbrook Elementary Schools.

Because this matter involves personnel considerations, the Board will not discuss confidential employment or human resources matters. However, we want to be clear that the Board is committed to transparency where it is appropriate, accountability where it is required, and continued communication with the public as we move forward.

The Board is taking immediate steps to ensure stable leadership for Albemarle County Public Schools. An interim superintendent will be announced as soon as that process is complete. During this transition, our schools will continue to serve students and families, and division staff will remain focused on supporting students, educators, and school communities.

We also recognize that words alone are not enough. The Board is committed to reviewing the concerns that have been raised, listening to families and staff, and ensuring that appropriate steps are taken to strengthen student safety, communication, and public trust.

We are grateful to the educators, school staff, families, and community members who continue to support our students during this challenging time. We know trust must be earned through action, and we are committed to doing that work.

With gratitude,

The Albemarle County School Board