Community Conversation - June 10, 2026

Question 1.1

Were there complaints and/or concerns about Mr. Swiney during his employment at Woodbrook? Describe the facts and circumstances of any complaints/concerns, and how the concerns/complaints were handled, including the exact dates actions were taken.

Response: We are not permitted to release personnel records. ACPS did not receive any allegations about Mr. Swiney regarding inappropriate contact or interactions with students while he was employed at Woodbrook. However, the ongoing investigation is a police matter.

Question 1.2

Were there complaints and/or concerns about Mr. Swiney during his employment/work with EDEP? Describe the facts and circumstances of any complaints, and how the concerns/complaints were handled, including the exact dates actions were taken.

Response: These would be personnel matters, which we cannot disclose. We can speak generally about how certain types of complaints are managed, but we cannot discuss individual employee records.

• When we receive allegations that an employee has acted inappropriately toward a student, we inform the student and their parents that we will notify police and a social worker so that they can investigate further. We notify police and social services, which is required by mandated reporter laws. We also notify the Title IX office if the behavior is sexual in nature. 
• The staff member accused of the behavior is placed on administrative leave and is escorted from the workplace. 
• Police investigate potential criminality of the employee's actions and decide if they to share any information with the public. 
• Social Services supports the investigation, determines if neglect and/or abuse occurred, and offers support services to help the child and family. 
• ACPS conducts an appropriate separate investigation as described in Question 3.3 below. 
• There are times when reported behaviors do not amount to a crime or abuse. However, Title IX and the employee and student conduct codes have different standards than criminal law and CPS and may result in findings and discipline even when the criminal justice system does not. 
• When there is evidence that a crime occurred, police file charges and determine when it is appropriate to make a public notice of arrest. When an arrest is made public, ACPS notifies all families immediately so that they are aware of the allegations and any potential harm to their child. We cannot inform in advance of the public release as that can adversely impact the investigation.  
• We are limited in what information we are permitted to share, but we make available any information that we can in consultation with ACPD, Commonwealth’s Attorney, and our Chief Legal Officer to make certain we do not violate anyone’s civil liberties nor undermine the investigation or prosecution.
• It is important to note that for sexual assault/harassment to rise to a Title IX violation it must be criminal in nature or “severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive.” So, there are times where behavior raises questions or concerns, but does not meet either the criminal or "severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive" threshold to be processed under Title IX. In those instances, the school may take disciplinary action at its discretion. If the allegation is against an employee, the school also consults with HR. Information about employee or student investigations and discipline is protected by privacy laws. 

Question 1.3

Before January 2026, were there prior reports or complaints of any type related to Mr. Swiney at Hollymead or any other ACPS entity or program? For each complaint, describe the headlining facts, circumstances, date of occurrence, date of reporting, and how it was handled. Provide any related adverse actions, counseling, or employment actions, including their relevant timelines. Describe any reports made to DSS (state or local), local law enforcement, or other agencies, and provide the reporting timeline for each, including the specific dates.

Response: We cannot disclose personnel matters, criminal reporting, or DSS reports. This information is confidential to protect the rights and privacy of all involved.

Question 1.4
(6/10/2026)

When was ACPS first aware of allegations of sexual abuse, and how long was the gap between being aware and removing Mr. Swiney's access to students?   

Response: We were notified January 2026. Mr. Swiney was immediately put on leave, and CPS and ACPD were immediately notified. There was no gap between the family making the report to ACPS and the removal of Mr. Swiney.

Question 1.5
(6/17/2026)

What can you do in this situation to rebuild trust with BOTH ACPS leadership and HES?   

Response: Rebuilding trust will take time and intentional action. It will require steady leadership committed to doing the work of connecting with students and families, implementing sound policy, and maintaining accountability at all levels of the organization to establish a culture of safety and learning for all students. The Board has taken decisive action to strengthen division leadership and has directed the Acting Superintendent to prioritize rebuilding public trust.

Question 1.6
(6/17/2026)

Did Mr. Swiney have cameras in his office? Can cameras be put up in all rooms within the school buildings to maintain documentation of anything that occurs?   

Response: Mr. Swiney did not have a camera in his office. A decision to place cameras in all rooms would have to be determined by the School Board based on privacy laws and budget considerations. 

Question 2.1

Describe the facts and circumstances regarding Mr. Swiney’s departure from his Woodbrook employment with ACPS. Was his departure/transfer in any way related to concerns about Mr. Swiney’s work performance and/or conduct with students or staff? What information did Woodbrook and ACPS share with Hollymead about any concerns and/or complaints related to Mr. Swiney leading up to his hiring as SEL coach at Hollymead?

Response: We are not permitted to release personnel records. However, we can affirm that his transfer was not related to allegations or concerns regarding inappropriate contact or interactions with students.

Question 2.2

What specific due diligence activities and steps were completed, and on what dates, during the hiring of Mr. Swiney for the SEL coach position at Hollymead? Describe each diligence step, when it was taken, and what it revealed.

Response: The job description reads “Social Emotional Learning Coach teaches students tools and skills for peaceful conflict resolution, improved focus and concentration, greater control and awareness of thoughts and emotions, improved self-regulation, as well as stress reduction and relaxation. The SEL Counselor/Coach is a support for students who are in crisis, who struggle with emotional regulation, and/ or who need to develop their social and emotional skills in order to participate in academic tasks with their peers. The full job description is available here:

 All ACPS employees must be finger-printed. That information is run through the State Police and FBI national fingerprint database to identify whether they have been charged or convicted of any crime. We receive a report of all charges and convictions.  

• We also run a search on the Central Registry for Child Abuse and neglect. State law requires searching any state where the employee has lived in the past five years. Findings are generally accompanied by criminal charges so anything prior to five years would be revealed in the fingerprint search. However, we still run this for greater scrutiny.
• Hiring supervisors contact previous employers to verify whether there are any concerns with this individual as a potential hire.
• If the employee is flagged for any concerns in working with students, they are eliminated from the hiring process.

Question 2.3

Mr. Swiney was awarded an ACPS Game Changer award during his time at Hollymead. This has been deleted from the ACPS Facebook page since June 1,2026. Provide the date presented, nomination details including initial and final approvers, full text of the nomination, and details about who presented the award.

Response: The Game Changer Award is an award introduced by the Department of Instruction in the Fall of 2023. This award allows anyone in the division to nominate a colleague for the "work done in their role that removes barriers and supports students' ability to access the curriculum." Nominations open at the beginning of every quarter and close near the end of the quarter.

Several members of the Department of Instruction review the nominations and select winners. A minimum of four individuals are selected each quarter--one person from each level (elementary, middle, high) and one person serving in a support position (technology, transportation, food services etc.). 

Mr. Swiney was nominated by a teacher at Hollymead in April of 2024. The Department of Instruction conferred with the school administration on May 2, 2024, and with the Department of Human Resources on May 3, 2024. Neither had any objections to his winning the award as the SEL coach. The Department of Instruction presented the award to Mr. Swiney sometime between May 10 and May 22, shortly after the nomination was confirmed.

Question 2.4
(6/10/2026)

How does the school district describe the role of SEL employees? Who is their supervisors and what kind of training do they receive before and during their employment.? 

Response: The job description reads “The social Emotional Learning Counselor/Coach teaches students tools and skills for peaceful conflict resolution, improved focus and concentration, greater control and awareness of thoughts and emotions, improved self-regulation, as well as stress reduction and relaxation. The SEL Counselor/Coach is a support for students who are in crisis, who struggle with emotional regulation, and/ or who need to develop their social and emotional skills in order to participate in academic tasks with their peers.” 

The full job description is available here:
https://albemarleva.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob_Description.aspx?JobID=8548 

As noted in the job description, the position is supervised by the school principal. To meet the job classification requirements, the SEL must have a minimum of three years of experience working in Human Services, education, or related field. The type of training, knowledge, and experience of the SEL coach is considered through the employment process. ACPS provides professional learning opportunities for staff.

Question 2.5
(6/10/2026)

How are you working on preventing this from ever happening again at ACPS schools? 

Response: We will continue to investigate policies and practices that we can change to reduce the likelihood of these types of allegations from occurring. As we make changes, we will notify the community. 

Question 2.6
(6/10/2026)

What rules and regulations can be put in place to ensure this does not happen again? An open door policy regarding adults and children meeting at school? If privacy is needed, have two adults present? During the hiring process, can we be sure to talk to former employees and gain intel on any unprofessional behavior? Tell me what is already in place and why it failed. 

Response: As noted in question 2.5, we will continue to investigate specific policies and practices that we can change to reduce the likelihood of these types of allegations from occurring. We have a comprehensive screening process for hiring, which is described in question 2.2. Unfortunately, there is no system that will be able to identify potential abusers who have no criminal history or record of abuse. The School Board has stated their intent for a thorough review of our policies and practices regarding student safety.

Question 2.7
(6/10/2026)

Do children get referred to meet with SEL coaches in a private office at every ACPS school, or was this practice unique to Hollymead? 

Response: We are reviewing current practices division-wide so that we can understand this more clearly. SEL coaches/Mental Health Support Specialists are supervised by the principal leading the building where they work, including determining where in the building they will be located and job performance. Because each building has its own layout, and space demands, the location of staff will vary from building to building. However, we recognize that we must do more to make certain protocols and supervision practices of these positions are more standardized to improve student safety and increase parental notifications. 

Question 2.8
(6/10/2026)

When/how/why did Swiney leave his employment at Woodbrook? How was he allowed to be hired shortly after at Hollymead? Who was on the Swiney hiring panel for his hire at Hollymead? Who did the background checks? Who did the interviews? 

Response: ACPS teachers and staff are employees of the school division, not the individual school. As such, they can be transferred to another school or location where there is an area of need. Swiney was transferred from Woodbrook to Hollymead.

There was no interview panel since this was an internal transfer. Background checks are only conducted when an employee starts employment. As Mr. Swiney's employment was continuous, we would not run a new background check. We recognize that, because we cannot provide specifics regarding personnel matters, there are rumors and concerns that he may have been transferred because of allegations regarding inappropriate contact with students. However, that is not the case. The reason for his transfer had nothing to do interactions with students.

Question 2.9
(6/18/2026)

Is the SEL coach position abolished now? 

Response: SEL coaches will be phased out by the end of the 2026-2027 school year. Schools will instead rely on Mental Health Support Specialists, which are licensed professionals with endorsement as a school counselor or school social worker through the VDOE or certification as a School Social Worker, School Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Qualified Mental Health Professional - C with the Virginia Department of Health Professions.

Question 3.1

For all relevant events related to current sexual battery and related charges, and any previous allegations at ACPS, Hollymead, or Woodbrook, specify whether VA Mandatory Reporter laws were followed. For each event, provide the reporting timeline with specific dates, the names of reporter(s), and the exact agency or entity that received each report.

Response: This type of information is provided to ACPD and CPS. You will have to speak with them to discuss what information they may be able to share regarding their investigation. However, we are not permitted to release any of this specific information.

Question 3.2

For all past and current allegations, reports, or outcries of child abuse of any kind (sexual or otherwise) by Mr. Swiney, detail compliance with VA Mandatory Reporter laws, including the exact date of each report, the reporter’s identity, and the specific agency or entity that received each report.

Response: We cannot speak to any specific personnel or alleged criminal matters. However, we can confirm that allegations of child abuse of any kind are reported to Child Protective Services and ACPD as required by VA Mandatory Reporter laws. Through their investigation process, ACPD, CPS, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney have access to any records that may exist of this nature.

Question 3.3

For all past or current allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault by Mr. Swiney, describe how Title IX procedures were followed. Include the dates and timeline for each step taken to comply, expectations for reporting, and all response requirements met. State when ACPS believes it became aware of potential sexual harassment and sexual assault committed by Mr. Swiney in ACPS. State when and how potential victims, including but not limited to past and present students of Mr. Swiney, were informed of their Title IX rights. State if ACPS has received any formal complaints. State how those complaints were handled and what stage they are currently in. State if notification, reporting, response, and investigative timelines were met.

Response: Again, we cannot speak to a specific case. However, we can speak to the general processes, which we follow in all reported allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault. When there is a Title IX allegation, the ACPS Title IX coordinator manages the grievance process in accordance with Title IX. Allegations of abuse/neglect are raised to CPS and ACPD as described in question 1.2.

It is important to note that for sexual assault/harassment to rise to a Title IX violation it must be criminal in nature or “severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive.” So, there are times where behavior raises questions or concerns, but does not meet the criminal or "severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive" threshold to be processed under Title IX procedures. In those instances, the school may take disciplinary action at its discretion. If the allegation is against an employee, the school also consults with HR. Information about employee and student investigations and discipline is protected by privacy laws. 

Question 4.1

Provide a detailed investigative and prosecutorial timeline leading to Mr. Swiney’s indictment on Monday, 1 June 2026, exactly the first business day after ACPS schools let out for the summer. Did ACPS provide input on this decision? Is so, how through whom, and when was this input provided? What was the substance of ACPS’s input?

Response: You would have to talk with ACPD and the Commonwealth’s Attorney for investigative and prosecutorial timelines. We provide records and information in accordance with all laws and regulations to support ACPD in their investigation.

Question 4.2

Describe the investigative and prosecutorial decisions and timeline that resulted in non-disclosure of Mr. Swiney’s criminal conduct to the Hollymead Elementary School and broader community until 4 June 2026.

Response: You will have to speak with ACPD and the Commonwealth’s Attorney about their investigative and prosecutorial decisions.

Question 4.4
(6/10/2026)

How long was ACPS planning to wait before notifying their community of this news? Was it only announced because they knew ACPD would be making an announcement? 

Response: ACPS notified the public immediately upon learning of the charges filed against Mr. Swiney. We are prohibited from speaking about an ongoing criminal investigation until there is an arrest or formal filing of charges.

Question 4.5
(6/10/2026)

Did ACPS include students in the email list when they sent out the news release? Did Hollymead and Woodbrook administrators communicate with families who may have graduated from the school in the last few years? 

Response: Emails went out only to parents/guardians in our database. All ACPS families were informed of the charges against Mr. Swiney regardless of what school their student attends. 

Question 4.6
(6/10/2026)

News outlets specifically reference reported complaints against Mr. Swiney as early as 2024. Please specifically answer whether ACPS received these reports/complaints and conducted an investigation (yes or no). 

Response: The police and CPS investigation into Mr. Swiney was predicated on the allegations reported to us in January 2026. The police clarified their statement regarding the alleged 2024 incident that, through their current investigation, an allegation was made to them that there was a potential incident back in 2024. ACPS has no record of that incident.

 

Question 5.1

Describe the steps that have been taken up to 4 June 2026 to notify past and current (up to January 2026) students who received services from Mr. Swiney. Provide the exact dates when the steps were taken. Describe when and how past students who have since left Hollymead, including but not limited to those who have graduated up to Lakeside Middle School, were informed about Mr. Swiney’s criminal acts and what steps have been taken to screen them to determine if Mr. Swiney sexually abused and/or otherwise assaulted them.

Response: We provided ACPD with a list of students whom we have record of Mr. Swiney providing services. ACPD is able to contact those families through their investigative process. We do not seek out victims as that would interfere with their investigative process. If we do become aware of other allegations or potential victims, we notify ACPD and CPS immediately. You would have to discuss with ACPD and CPS about their investigative processes.

UPDATE: The Deputy Police Chief granted ACPS the permission to contact families noting that it should not harm their investigation. The school administration is calling those families with students whom we have a record of meeting with Mr. Swiney. School administration is also contacting teachers to identify whether they are aware of students they sent to Mr. Swiney where there may not be a written record. 

Question 5.2
(6/13/2026)

ACPS was aware of this investigation since January and had ample time to prepare resources. Why did the resource you provide families not even address sexual assault and focused on school shooting and natural disasters? Why have no additional resources been sent to families of Lakeside students?

Response: We recognize the information initially submitted to families was insufficient. We later shared additional resources tailored more specifically to the issue of sexual abuse. We are working to provide further resources and support for all ACPS students and families through partnership with outside organizations.

Question 5.3
(6/13/2026)

How does Hollymead document who interacted one on one with Mr Swiney (and future SEL employees)? It is stated as a response to the petition that you provided a list of student that interacted with Mr Swiney to the investigation. Please explain if that list is that was based on written documentation records or Mr McCauley and Ms Gentry’s recall.

Response: SEL coaches are expected to maintain records, but it does not appear that was done effectively in this case. This incident has revealed that ACPS requires a closer division-level inquiry into the regularity and quality of recording formal meetings along with parental notification of meetings. The list provided to ACPD was based on the written documentation we have. Now that ACPD has given approval to for us to identify students who may have had contact with Mr. Swiney and to notify their families directly, the principal is speaking with staff members to see if there are any students they have knowledge of working with Mr. Swiney that may not have been formally recorded. 

Update: We believe all families have been notified where we have a record or report of him having met with their student. 

Question 5.4
(6/17/2026)

Would it be reasonable to expect that social emotional support staff, or any support staff who meets one on one with students, keep records of when/if those meetings took place regardless of if they were officially on a caseload?

Response: Yes, it is reasonable to expect staff to maintain records and to notify parents. The School Board is considering what policies they can adopt and specific actions the Acting Superintendent can implement to make certain this is managed and staff are held accountable for maintaining proper protocols. 

Question 5.5
(6/17/2026)

Would I have been notified if my child met with Michael Swiney and if not, how can I find out if they did?

Response: If we have a record of your child having met with Michael Swiney, you should have been contacted by the principal or the police department. If you have concerns, the Police have requested you contact them to report those concerns. ACPS has also set up a Family Assistance Center, which will be open at Journey Middle School on Thursdays through the summer to provide further support. You can find information on the center on this webpage. 

Question 5.6
(6/18/2026)

Will there be guidance available to help parents talk to their child/children about what happened?

Response: Yes. We have solicited support form Victims Crisis Assistance and Response Team, Region Ten, and other community partners to provide these types of support services/ through the Family Assistance Center (FAC). The FAC will remain open on Thursdays through the first week of August from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Journey Middle School. For more information, visit the webpage.

https://www.k12albemarle.org/our-departments/communications/message-board/~board/community-messages/post/family-assistance-center-opens-thursday-june-18-to-support-families-students-and-staff. 

Question 6.1

There are a number of families who participate in summer swim league, which has swim meets on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. Why would you schedule a meeting knowing that many of us will not be able to attend ?

Response: We received a number of emails and phone calls requesting a public meeting as soon as possible so that the public could ask questions and make certain that they all received the same information collectively. Additionally, the School Board wanted to hold a conversation with the Hollymead community prior to the Thursday School Board meeting to inform their closed session discussions on this issue. They also wanted to have the opportunity community members to receive responses prior to the board meeting as much as possible because the board cannot address public comments during the board meeting.  Wednesday was the earliest we could schedule the meeting and get the word out to the public.

Question 6.2
(6/10/2026)

Who chose the location of the community conversation to be in the library mere step away from Mr Swiney's office?

Response: The school administration initially planned the meeting for the library. However, they subsequently moved the meeting to the auditorium. 

Question 6.3
(6/10/2026)

This is the second time a staff member associated with Woodbrook has been arrested in three months. What are your plans for holding a similar meeting for Woodbrook parents and being accountable to our community?

Response: There are no plans for a similar meeting at this time. The June 10 meeting was initially intended for Hollymead as the school community most directly affected by the recent allegations. However, it was instead scheduled and made available for anyone in the community. The meeting is posted so that those who could not attend still have access. We are responding to questions from across the division, and if there is a need for additional public meetings, we will work to establish those.

Question 6.4
(6/17/2026)

Please explain the decision to wait to communicate directly with former Hollymead students who are now at Lakeside.

Response: The initial communication went to all ACPS families. There was a significant number of email requests from Hollymead families requesting a meeting, and the initial intent was to set up a meeting for the Hollymead community. Recognizing the larger concern (not only for Lakeside families, but for families across the division) we advertised the meeting and the webpage to submit questions to all ACPS families and recorded the meeting so the public had full access to the information and perspectives shared at the meeting. 

Question 6.5
(6/17/2026)

Why is the Thursday School Board Meeting closed door? Where is the transparency? Why are parents/family shut out on this matter that impacts every student and family of Hollymead?

Response: As elected officials for Albemarle County, the School Board has the right to receive confidential and non-public information to inform their policy decisions, address any concerns with the performance of the superintendent, and identify what actions they are legally permitted to take in order to perform their duties. They can only do this through closed session discussions because public discussions would prevent them from being able to receive non-public information and records. Certain subjects are exempt from open meeting requirements, including personnel issues and the provision of legal advice, both of which were the basis for the closed meeting on June 11.