NEWS RELEASE
(ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Virginia)—Albemarle County Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jay Thomas as the next principal of Center I, which will be renamed the Albemarle Career Exploration Academy @ Seminole Trail (ACE Academy Seminole Trail) at the start of the 2025-26 school year.
Jay Thomas
Thomas brings more than 25 years of educational leadership experience to this role, including eight years as the Executive Director of Secondary Education for ACPS and another eight years as principal of Albemarle High School. In each of these roles, he has demonstrated a clear commitment to student-centered learning, innovative instruction, and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality educational opportunities.
During his tenure at Albemarle High School, Thomas successfully led initiatives that improved graduation rates to 95% and dramatically increased participation in Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses. He also oversaw the development of interdisciplinary, project-based learning programs such as the TEAMS initiative and expanded student involvement in creative pathways like the school’s music studio and STEM-focused Learning Commons.
In his current role as Executive Director, Thomas has played a pivotal role in designing and supporting strategic instructional programs across the division’s 10 secondary schools. He supervises and evaluates principals and curriculum coordinators, coordinates student progress monitoring systems, and serves as a liaison with local partners to expand college and career readiness.
Thomas’s leadership experience extends beyond the local level. His professional history includes roles in Virginia Beach and North Carolina, where he led STEM and CTE-focused high schools and developed international partnerships to build global competencies among students. His leadership was recognized with numerous awards, including the Lenoir County Wachovia Principal of the Year and the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Assistant Principal of the Year finalist recognition.
“It was evident through multiple rounds of interviews that Mr. Thomas has a clear and compelling vision for the future of Center I,” said Dr. Matthew Haas, Superintendent of Albemarle County Public Schools. “He understands the unique needs of this learning community and brings both the knowledge and the passion to lead it forward.”
ACE Academy, the new name for Center I, is part of the division’s reimagined high school experience, offering innovative, real-world learning opportunities through the Scholars Studio model. It houses Link Studio—one of 12 Scholars Studios—which focuses on information and communication technologies such as cybersecurity, digital entertainment media, and video game design. Thomas’s expertise in problem-based learning, Career and Technical Education, and interdisciplinary instruction aligns directly with the academy’s goals.
Thomas will assume his new role on July 1, 2025.
CONTACT: Dr. Helen T. Dunn, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Officer
PHONE: 434-249-8379