CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW)- Following a special meeting of the Albemarle County School Board on Thursday, both Agnor Elementary School and Western Albemarle High School will have new principals effective July 1. 

Patricia Demitry was chosen as the new head of WAHS to begin a second stint with Albemarle County Public Schools, having served as assistant principal at Monticello High School from 2019 through 2022. Holding a doctorate in educational leadership from Liberty University, she most recently held a post as principal of William Monroe Middle School in Greene County.   

“I have a deep appreciation for the school’s unique traditions and the high level of student agency that defines this campus,” Demitry said in a statement of the school where she worked as an administrative intern to begin her work with the school division. “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.”  

Also appointed during the special meeting, Agnor Elementary assistant principal Catrina Sims will be promoted to principal ahead of the new school year.  The JMU graduate has worked in education for 20 years, holding varied roles for ACPS throughout her time in the division, including Title I specialist. 

“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,” Sims said in a statement.

“They know how to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and because they are so connected to our community,” Superintendent Matt Haas said in a statement. “I know Western Albemarle and Agnor Elementary are in good hands.”