ACPS Appoints New Principals at Henley Middle and Mountain View Primary

Both new principals have over 20 years of experience with Albemarle County Public Schools.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:39pm

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Albemarle County Public Schools has named John Hobson as the next principal of Henley Middle School and Christine Peterson as the next principal of Mountain View Primary School. Hobson and Peterson have both spent over 20 years working in the school district, with Hobson currently serving as assistant principal at Murray Elementary and Peterson as assistant principal at Mountain View Elementary.

Why it matters

The appointments of Hobson and Peterson to lead Henley Middle and Mountain View Primary represent a continuation of experienced leadership within the Albemarle County Public Schools system. Their deep knowledge of the local community and proven track records will be instrumental in providing stability and continuity for students and families at these schools.

The details

John Hobson, who has been with ACPS for 20 years, will take over as principal of Henley Middle School, replacing the current principal who is retiring at the end of this school year. Christine Peterson, who has 25 years of experience in ACPS as a teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal, will become the new principal of Mountain View Primary School. Both Hobson and Peterson will assume their new roles on July 1.

  • Hobson's appointment at Henley Middle was announced on March 12, 2026.
  • Peterson's appointment at Mountain View Primary was announced on December 12, 2025.
  • Hobson and Peterson will both start their new roles as principals on July 1, 2026.

The players

John Hobson

The incoming principal of Henley Middle School, who has spent 20 years with Albemarle County Public Schools, most recently as assistant principal at Murray Elementary.

Christine Peterson

The incoming principal of Mountain View Primary School, who has 25 years of experience in ACPS as a teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal, most recently at Mountain View Elementary.

Dr. Matthew Haas

The superintendent of Albemarle County Public Schools, who praised the leadership and community knowledge of the incoming principals.

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What they’re saying

“A consistent throughline of my work is a deep belief in the capacity of children to learn, grow, and improve our world. As a principal, I will set an ambitious instructional agenda, cultivate a positive and inclusive school climate, and establish coherent, effective systems that ensure high-quality teaching and learning for all students while allowing us to truly know every learner.”

— John Hobson

“Mountain View is a special place because of the people who make up this community. Our diversity, our strong sense of belonging, and our shared commitment to caring for every child are what make our school feel like home.”

— Christine Peterson

What’s next

The new principals will officially take over their roles at Henley Middle and Mountain View Primary on July 1, 2026, as the current school year comes to a close.

The takeaway

The appointments of experienced ACPS leaders John Hobson and Christine Peterson to principal positions at Henley Middle and Mountain View Primary demonstrate the school district's commitment to promoting from within and maintaining stability and continuity for students and families in the local community.