David Francis was appointed principal of Western Albemarle High School March 27. He has been serving as the school’s interim principal this year and was a part-time assistant principal at the school since 2004.
His administrative experience includes seven years as principal of Nelson County High, four years as principal of Bluestone High in Mecklenburg County, seven years as principal of Goochland County High, and four years as assistant principal of Madison County High School. He also has eleven years of classroom teaching experience as a social studies teacher.
Francis holds a bachelor’s degree in history from West Virginia University, a Master’s of Education in secondary education from Madison College and an Education Specialist degree in administration and supervision from the University of Virginia. He was selected from a pool of 30 internal and external candidates.
“It’s been a wonderful experience these five years [at Western],” Francis said. “I’m honored to be asked to continue in this role. This is a wonderful school with a great faculty and great parents. I mean it sincerely. It’s phenomenal.”
The faculty stood and applauded when his appointment was announced at a morning meeting. “I was quite touched,” said Francis. “They’ve been very supportive all year long.”
