CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Crozet Elementary School will start the next school year with a new principal following the retirement of Staci England, who served in that role for four years.

Stephen Saunders, currently principal of Greer Elementary School, will take the helm at Crozet on July 1.

“I strongly believe in the value of learning through listening, and I look forward to meeting and hearing from members of the Crozet community over the coming months,” Saunders said in a statement.

Saunders began his career with Albemarle County Public Schools in 2008 as an assistant principal at Journey Middle School. He assumed that same role at Baker-Butler Elementary School from 2014-2019 and at Greer Elementary School from 2019 to this year. Before that, he taught French, English and photography and coached soccer at Charlottesville High School.

Under Saunders’ leadership at APCS, Baker-Butler was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in the category of Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools. In 2025, Greer’ reading scores exceeding the ACPS division average.

“I have loved every moment at Greer because I have been fortunate to work with an incredible community of students, families and staff,” Saunders said in the statement. “I look forward to bringing that same enthusiasm to Crozet and ensuring every Eagle is supported, challenged and inspired to learn and grow.”

As for England, she led Crozet Elementary through the opening of an addition that made room for an additional 220 students. She led a similar transition while at Scottsville Elementary School when the school took in students from the former Yancey Elementary School.

“I will always look back on my time at Crozet Elementary with fondness, but I am excited for the community to meet Dr. Saunders,” England said in a statement. “He is a terrific principal, and I have no doubt he will continue to build on the strong foundation at Crozet.”

The transfer of Saunders from Greer to Crozet leaves an opening for the Greer principal position. ACPS will begin the process of selecting the next principal of Greer Elementary School by engaging with the students, staff and families of the Greer community.

“As we look ahead, we are committed to honoring the strong foundation built at Greer under Dr. Saunders’ leadership,” said Superintendent Matt Haas in a statement. “We will engage students, staff and families because their voices are essential to affirming our commitment to a thoughtful, inclusive hiring process that builds on the school’s foundation and leads to continued progress for a strong and vibrant learning community.”