CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – A county elementary school teacher has been arrested on child pornography charges.

Nicholas J. Clark, a fifth grade teacher at Woodbrook Elementary School, is charged with possessing child pornography and distributing child pornography, both felonies, the Albemarle County Police Department announced. He is being held without bond at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

He was arrested at the school Monday, an ACPD spokesperson told Cville Right Now.

Clark was investigated and arrested following an ICAC cybertip directed to ACPD as part of the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children task force, ACPD announced.

“We know this news is deeply concerning. The investigation is ongoing, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement,” Woodbrook principal Christie Isaiah wrote in an email to parents. “Mr. Clark will not return to Woodbrook. We are putting plans in place so students in his class can continue learning with as little disruption as possible. School counselors and support staff are available to assist any student who may need support.”

ACPS Superintendent Dr. Matthews Haas told parents in an email that Clark had completed “all required background screenings” prior to being hired. That included a Virginia State Police criminal history check and a search in the Central Registry for child abuse and neglect.

“This news is deeply troubling. I know it may raise questions and concerns across our school community. The investigation is ongoing, and Albemarle County Public Schools is cooperating fully with law enforcement,” Haas wrote in his email. “The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.”

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Albemarle County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 434-296-5807 or Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000.