CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Dr. Chandra Hayes, Albemarle County’s current Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, will be the division’s Acting Superintendent, Albemarle County Public Schools announced Wednesday.

In an email to staff and families, the School Board announced Hayes’s appointment, which will be formally confirmed in a vote on July 9, will assume the role effective immediately. She will serve for the 2026-27 school year while the board conducts a search for a permanent superintendent.

“We are grateful to Dr. Hayes for her willingness to step into this role, especially at a time when steady, experienced leadership is so important for our students, staff, families, and schools,” the board’s email said. “The Board understands that this is an important time for our school division. Recent events have raised serious concerns for many families, staff members, and community members. They have also reinforced the need for strong leadership, clear accountability, open communication, and a continued focus on keeping students safe. As we move forward, our focus remains on supporting our schools, rebuilding trust through action, and keeping students at the center of all decisions we make.”

Former Superintendent Dr. Matthew Haas was asked to resign by the board on June 11, following public concerns about the division’s communication in the wake of the arrest of staffer Michael Swiney. Swiney is charged with 11 felonies, including seven counts of aggravated sexual battery, three counts of taking indecent liberties with a child and then one count of attempted aggravated sexual battery.

Swiney has an Aug. 3 court date, according to the Virginia Court Case Information database.

Hollymead Elementary Principal Joe McCauley was placed on an administrative leave earlier this week.

The School Board previously announced that Haas was negotiating his resignation with the Board’s chief legal officer. Wednesday’s email did not include any update on Haas’s status.

Hayes previously worked as the Director of Equity and Student Support Services for Chesterfield County Public Schools, prior to joining ACPS. She also has been a middle school principal, high school assistant principal, specialty center coordinator, director of a regional governor’s school, dean of students, and secondary science teacher.

“At a time when our division needs both stability and forward momentum, we are confident Dr. Hayes’ leadership will serve our community well,” the board’s email said. “This appointment is for the entire 2026-27 school year so that the School Board has the time necessary to conduct a formal search process for a permanent superintendent.”