Albemarle County Public Schools has accepted the resignation of Hollymead Elementary School Principal Joe McCauley amid a sexual abuse scandal involving a former staff member. The announcement came recently as the district addresses the fallout from criminal charges against Michael Swiney. McCauley had previously been placed on administrative leave during an internal review.
Michael Swiney, 37, worked as a Social Emotional Learning coach at Hollymead Elementary beginning in the fall of 2023. He previously held a similar position at Woodbrook Elementary starting in December 2021. Swiney turned himself in to the Albemarle County Police Department on June 3, 2026, and faces 11 felony charges related to alleged sexual abuse of children. The specific counts include seven of aggravated sexual battery, three of indecent liberties, and one of attempted aggravated sexual battery, with allegations involving at least four students.
School officials met with parents and staff in June 2026 to discuss the matter and provide updates on the investigation. During one such meeting, McCauley expressed that the situation would haunt him for the rest of his life if the allegations proved true. The district has also offered mental health resources to affected families as the case proceeds through the legal system.
Details of the Investigation and Charges
The Albemarle County Police Department released information confirming Swiney’s arrest and the nature of the charges shortly after his surrender. Prosecutors indicted him on the 11 felony counts in early June 2026. Swiney remains held without bond at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail as the case moves forward.
The scandal prompted public meetings where community members raised questions about the timeline of events and the district’s response. Swiney had been transferred to Hollymead at the start of the 2023-24 school year. An investigation into his conduct reportedly began in January 2026.
District leadership, including former Superintendent Matthew Haas, faced scrutiny over the handling of the allegations. The school board requested Haas’s resignation in June 2026 following public outcry. Interim Superintendent Chandra Hayes has since provided updates to parents regarding staffing changes at the school.
Impact on the School Community
Hollymead Elementary serves students in the Albemarle County area, and the events have led to discussions about support services and safety protocols. The resignation of McCauley comes as the district prepares for the upcoming academic year with a transition plan in place.
Local news outlets have reported on the developments, including coverage from CBS19 News and other regional sources detailing the principal’s departure. The focus remains on ensuring continuity of education while addressing the concerns raised by families.
Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the allegations against Swiney. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with no further resolutions reported at this time. The district has emphasized its commitment to supporting the community through this period.
Ongoing Developments in Albemarle County
Additional context includes the involvement of two ACPS staff members facing related charges in separate incidents, though the primary focus here centers on the Hollymead case. Parents have advocated for improved communication and accountability measures moving forward.
The situation has highlighted the challenges faced by school divisions in managing personnel issues involving serious allegations. Officials have stated that administrative leave and subsequent resignations are part of standard review processes during such investigations.
As of the most recent reports, the school is working to stabilize operations under new leadership arrangements. Community members await further information from law enforcement and school authorities as the case progresses through the courts.
Email the School Board at:
Kate Acuff (Jack Jouett District) — kacuff@k12albemarle.org,
Jim Dillenbeck (Rio District) — jdillenbeck@k12albemarle.org,
Judy Le (Rivanna District) — jle@k12albemarle.org,
Bob Beard (Samuel Miller District) — bbeard@k12albemarle.org,
Ellen Osborne (Scottsville District) — eosborne@k12albemarle.org,
Rebecca Berlin (White Hall District, Chair) — rberlin@k12albemarle.org,
Allison Spillman (At-Large, Vice Chair) — aspillman@k12albemarle.org,
