ACPS Announces Principal Appointments for Western Albemarle High and Agnor Elementary

By Albemarle County Public Schools

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. — The Albemarle County School Board appointed new principals for Western Albemarle High School and Agnor Elementary School during a special meeting on Thursday, May 7. Effective July 1, Patricia Demitry will serve as the principal of Western Albemarle, and Catrina Sims will lead Agnor Elementary.

Demitry joins Western Albemarle from Greene County Public Schools, where she has served as the principal of William Monroe Middle School since 2023. Her appointment marks a return to Albemarle County Public Schools where she previously served as an assistant principal at Monticello High School from 2019 to 2022 and an administrative intern at Western Albemarle during the 2018-19 school year. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Liberty University, as well as degrees from James Madison, George Mason and Mary Washington universities.

During the search process, the Western Albemarle community expressed a desire for a “visible, relational leader” who can maintain the school’s high academic standards while fostering an inclusive environment. Demitry’s background includes extensive experience in secondary education, having taught Advanced Placement English and led initiatives such as monthly student lunch meetings designed to elevate student voice and address school-wide issues.

“I am incredibly honored to return to the Western Albemarle community,” Demitry said. “Having served as an intern here, I have a deep appreciation for the school’s unique traditions and the high level of student agency that defines this campus. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated faculty and families to ensure every student feels seen, heard and challenged to reach their highest potential.”

Sims, the current assistant principal at Agnor Elementary, will be promoted to the principalship. Sims has 20 years of experience in education, with much of that time spent within Albemarle County Public Schools as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and Title I specialist. A three-time graduate of James Madison University, Sims earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees, as well as her administrative endorsement, from the institution.

The Agnor community emphasized the need for a leader with deep institutional knowledge and a commitment to stability. Sims was highlighted for her expertise in behavioral intervention and her ability to foster a vibrant educational culture within a diverse Title I setting.

“Agnor Elementary is a special place with a rich cultural tapestry, and I am humbled to continue my leadership journey here,” Sims said. “My focus will remain on building strong partnerships with our families and providing our teachers with the support they need to maintain a safe, high-achieving learning environment. Together, we will continue to bridge equity gaps and celebrate the resilient spirit of our students.”

The search for both positions began earlier this spring, attracting a combined pool of 18 candidates. The selection process included input from staff and families via surveys and virtual meetings to identify the specific leadership qualities required for each school community.

“Both Dr. Demitry and Ms. Sims are great leaders who really focus on our goal of knowing every student,” Superintendent Matthew Haas said. “They know how to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and because they are so connected to our community, I know Western Albemarle and Agnor Elementary are in good hands.”