CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Even as Hollymead Elementary School is preparing to name an interim principal for this school year and begin a search for a permanent appointment to that post, former principal Joe McCauley remains on paid leave, an Albemarle County Public Schools spokesperson told Cville Right Now on Monday.
McCauley was placed on administrative leave, a paid status, in June according to division spokesperson Jason Grant. The division’s investigation is ongoing, but it appears clear McCauley won’t be back as Hollymead’s principal.
On Thursday, Acting Superintendent Chandra Hayes emailed Hollymead families and staff to announce that an interim principal would be appointed for the 2026-27 school year, “so that students, families, and staff have steady leadership without interruption throughout the academic year,” Grant said.
A search for a permanent principal will begin in February.
“That process will include gathering community feedback on what they seek in a principal and identifying individuals from the community who want to participate in the recruitment process,” Grant said. “So, the permanent principal will be someone who applies for that position and goes through a competitive and rigorous review process.”
In addition to McCauley’s leave, former Superintendent Dr. Matthew Haas resigned as part of the fallout from the arrest of former Hollymead staffer Michael Swiney. In a subsequent meeting with community members, communication issues were raised that the division is now examining.
Haas was asked to resign by the School Board on June 11. On June 20, the division announced that Haas will receive severance pay and benefits through June 2027. That includes his previously agreed upon 3.75% raise to $257,165.67 starting on July 1 until his contract expires June 30, 2027. He will also receive an $800 bonus this month.
