Albemarle County Public Schools Announces New School and Division Leaders for 2025-26

Our Mission

Working together as a team, we will end the predictive value of race, class, gender, and special capacities for our children’s success through high quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We will know every student.

Our Mission

Jun 30 2025

NEWS RELEASE

(ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Virginia)—Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) is pleased to announce several school and division leaders who will begin new positions for the 2025-26 school year. These individuals will serve in key administrative roles at the division and school levels, supporting students, staff, and families across ACPS. Their appointments reflect the division’s ongoing commitment to strong leadership, inclusive practices, and academic success for all students.

Chief Human Resources Officer

As part of the division’s budget realignment and strategic reorganization, ACPS has restructured its human resources leadership. The role of Assistant Superintendent for Organizational Development & Human Resource Leadership has been eliminated following the retirement of Dr. Clare Keiser on June 30, generating cost savings to support other division priorities. Dan Redding will serve as Chief Human Resources Officer, a Cabinet-level position reporting directly to the Superintendent.

Redding has led the Human Resources team since 2021, first as Director of Human Resources and then as Executive Director. During his tenure, he has focused on transforming Human Resources into a responsive, employee-centered service operation while building the division’s capacity to recruit, retain, and develop a talented and diverse workforce. Under his leadership, the department has implemented initiatives to enhance employee engagement, modernize policies, and expand professional support, including the launch of affinity groups for African-American, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ employees.

He holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia. Before joining ACPS, Redding spent 28 years in Northern Virginia as a teacher, instructional technology coordinator, assistant principal, director, principal, and assistant superintendent.

Redding has emphasized the importance of creating an environment where every employee feels valued and supported in their professional growth. “We want Albemarle County Public Schools to be an employer of choice across the region and the state,” Redding said. “That means listening to employees, investing in their success, and making sure our practices reflect the strengths and contributions of our diverse team.”

“Dan’s leadership over the past several years has strengthened our ability to recruit and support an outstanding team of educators and staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Matthew Haas. “As Chief Human Resources Officer, he will continue to lead efforts to innovate our approach to human resources and ensure our practices meet the evolving needs of employees.”

Executive Director of PreK–12 Leadership & Instruction

As part of the division’s 2025-26 budget strategy, ACPS consolidated the Executive Director of Elementary Education and Executive Director of Secondary Education positions into a single role: Executive Director of PreK–12 Leadership and Instruction. Implemented in response to budget constraints, this restructuring aims to maintain comprehensive support to school leaders and instructional staff.

Dr. Kecia Lipscomb will lead the work of this newly consolidated role, supporting school leaders across all grade levels. Lipscomb brings more than 25 years of educational experience, including service as a principal, assistant principal, and most recently as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Fredericksburg City Public Schools. She has led division-wide initiatives in curriculum alignment, literacy, gifted education, and implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act. Her leadership has strengthened professional learning communities and supported school improvement efforts across multiple districts.

She holds a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech, a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Virginia State University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Carolina Central University. She also holds licensure as a Division Superintendent.

“I am honored to join Albemarle County Public Schools and excited to work alongside such dedicated educators,” said Lipscomb. “I believe in the power of aligned instruction, collaborative leadership, and student-centered decision-making. Together, we can create learning environments where all students thrive and grow.”

“This new position was created with both purpose and efficiency in mind,” said Dr. Chandra Hayes, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. “By combining the leadership of elementary and secondary instruction into a single role, we’re able to streamline support for school leaders while maintaining a clear focus on academic excellence across all grade levels. Dr. Lipscomb brings the expertise and presence to lead that work effectively.”

Director of Special Education

Ashley Struzik will take on the role of Director of Special Education. Struzik brings nearly 20 years of experience in special education and a deep commitment to inclusive practices. Most recently serving as the Assistant Director of Special Education for ACPS, she has also worked as a special education coordinator, assistant principal intern, lead teacher, and teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing. These experiences have shaped her belief in building systems where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.

She holds a Master of Science in Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Struzik also earned her endorsement in Administration and Supervision through George Mason University and holds multiple Virginia teaching certifications.

“Every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported,” said Struzik. “I’m committed to building inclusive systems that meet the needs of all learners and to working closely with our teachers, families, and community to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Coordinator of School Counseling

The Coordinator of School Counseling role is returning to ACPS after more than a decade. The decision to reinstate the position reflects the division’s renewed commitment to expanding and aligning student counseling services across all schools.

Cabell Guy will serve as the division’s Coordinator of School Counseling, bringing more than 25 years of experience supporting students and staff in both teaching and administrative roles. He has served as a school counselor at Lakeside Middle School since 2006, where he also held roles as interim assistant principal and testing coordinator. He has a strong record of collaboration with families, educators, and community partners and has led programs in student wellness, accommodations for students with disabilities, and academic advising. Guy’s deep commitment to student growth and equity will continue to guide his work in this new divisionwide leadership position.

He holds a Master of Education in School Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from James Madison University. He is licensed in K–12 English, School Counseling, and Administration and Supervision.

“Supporting students’ academic and emotional growth has always been at the heart of my work,” said Guy. “In this new role, I look forward to collaborating with our school counselors, educators, and families to ensure that every student feels connected, confident, and ready to succeed.”

“The decision to bring back the Coordinator of School Counseling role reflects our commitment to strengthening student support systems across all schools,” Dr. Hayes said. “We’re at a moment where alignment, access, and care matter more than ever. Cabell’s deep knowledge of our students and school communities positions him well to build strong connections and expand the impact of our counseling services.”

Principal of Jackson P. Burley Middle School

William Schaffer has been appointed as principal of Jackson P. Burley Middle School. Schaffer brings nearly two decades of experience in education, including 10 years as an assistant principal in ACPS. He has held leadership roles at Journey Middle School, Western Albemarle High School, and Albemarle High School, supporting teams in special education, instructional improvement, student intervention systems, and schoolwide operations. Prior to his administrative roles, he was a social studies and special education teacher and served as an AVID teacher, summer school principal, and instructional leader focused on culturally responsive practices.

Schaffer holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Radford University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education from the University of Charleston, and an Associate of Science in Math and Science from Mt. San Jacinto College. He is licensed in administration and supervision PreK–12, history and social sciences, and special education.

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead a school with such rich history, community pride, and a bright future,” Schaffer said. “I look forward to building on Burley’s strengths and working alongside our talented staff, students, and families to help Burley reach new heights.”

Principal of Red Hill Elementary School

Paula Gately has been appointed as principal of Red Hill Elementary School. Gately brings more than a decade of experience in elementary education and a strong record of building collaborative, inclusive school cultures. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Stony Point Elementary, where she led initiatives that improved student achievement, strengthened staff engagement, and fostered family partnerships. Prior to her administrative role, she taught fourth grade in Albemarle County and held teaching positions in Maryland. Her leadership has emphasized cultivating trust-based relationships and creating learning environments where all students feel known, supported, and challenged.

Gately holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from Washington College. She is licensed in administration and supervision PreK–12, elementary education, and dance arts, and also holds a Culturally Responsive Education credential.

“It is an honor to join the Red Hill Elementary community,” Gately said. “Together, we will build a school culture where every child and staff member feels a sense of belonging, discovers their strengths, and knows they are capable of achieving great things.”

In addition to these appointments, the division previously announced two principal appointments: Nancy McCullen was named principal of Baker-Butler Elementary School, and Jay Thomas was named principal of the Albemarle Career Exploration Academy @ Seminole Trail, formerly known as Center I. For additional details, see the previously published news releases:

ACPS congratulates all of our new leaders and looks forward to their continued contributions to our students, schools, and community. All leadership appointments are effective July 1, 2025.

“These appointments reflect the caliber of leadership we are fortunate to have in Albemarle County Public Schools,” said Dr. Haas. “Each of these individuals brings the experience, vision, and collaborative spirit we need to help every student thrive. I’m confident that this team will work closely with staff, families, and community partners to move our division forward.”

CONTACT: Jennifer A. Butler, Deputy Chief Communications Officer
PHONE: 434-260-4634