ACPS Announces Principal Appointments for Henley Middle, Mountain View Primary

By Albemarle County Public Schools

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. — Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) has announced two principal appointments, naming John Hobson as principal of Henley Middle School and Christine Peterson as principal of Mountain View Primary School.

On March 12, the School Board appointed John Hobson as the next principal of Henley Middle School following the announced retirement of the current principal at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Hobson will begin serving as principal on July 1, 2026.

“Mr. Hobson has gained tremendous experience throughout his career in Albemarle County Public Schools,” Superintendent Matthew Haas said. “He began as a classroom teacher at Western Albemarle High School and Henley Middle School. He later served as a social studies instructional coach and has been an assistant principal at Journey Middle School and Murray Elementary School. His knowledge of the community and proven leadership in our school division have positioned him well to lead Henley.”

Hobson brings 20 years of experience in ACPS and said his leadership will focus on strong instruction and a positive school climate.

“A consistent throughline of my work is a deep belief in the capacity of children to learn, grow, and improve our world,” Hobson said. “As a principal, I will set an ambitious instructional agenda, cultivate a positive and inclusive school climate, and establish coherent, effective systems that ensure high-quality teaching and learning for all students while allowing us to truly know every learner.”

Hobson will finish this school year as assistant principal at Murray Elementary before beginning his new role as principal of Henley on July 1.

The School Board also appointed Christine Peterson as principal of Mountain View Primary School on Dec. 11. Peterson currently serves as assistant principal at Mountain View Elementary School and is working as the planning principal as the school prepares to open as a PreK–2 primary school on July 1, 2026, when she will assume the role of principal.

Peterson has been part of the Mountain View community since 2023 and brings 25 years of experience in ACPS as a teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal. 

“Ms. Peterson is a foundational member of the Mountain View community,” Haas said. “She knows the students and families, and her passion for primary grade learners will be instrumental to student success.”

“Mountain View is a special place because of the people who make up this community,” Peterson said. “Our diversity, our strong sense of belonging, and our shared commitment to caring for every child are what make our school feel like home.”