CMS Principal promoted to Director of Facilities Operations

Charlottesville City Schools also announces new Supervisor of Community Relations

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Charlottesville Middle School Principal Rodney Jordan will become the Charlottesville City Schools' first Director of Facilities Operations, overseeing the division's safety, security, and custodial services. The school system also announced the promotion of Amanda Korman Simalchik to Supervisor of Community Relations, succeeding Beth Cheuk.

Why it matters

The new Director of Facilities Operations role reflects Charlottesville City Schools' focus on maintaining safe and supportive learning environments for students, while the Community Relations Supervisor position underscores the division's commitment to engaging with the local community.

The details

Jordan has served as CMS principal since 2021, overseeing a major $91.1 million renovation of the school. Under his leadership, CMS gained full accreditation and came out of federal identification status. In his new role, Jordan will manage the division's safety and security plans, custodial services, and efforts to create structured and supportive school environments. Simalchik previously served as the division's Community Relations Coordinator since 2021, and will now lead the department, succeeding Beth Cheuk.

  • Rodney Jordan has served as CMS principal since 2021.
  • CMS completed a $91.1 million renovation under Jordan's leadership.
  • CMS gained full accreditation in 2024-25 and came out of federal identification status in 2025-26.
  • Amanda Korman Simalchik assumed the role of Supervisor of Community Relations in February 2026.
  • Beth Cheuk previously held the Supervisor of Community Relations position.

The players

Rodney Jordan

The former principal of Charlottesville Middle School, who has been promoted to the new role of Director of Facilities Operations for Charlottesville City Schools.

Amanda Korman Simalchik

The new Supervisor of Community Relations for Charlottesville City Schools, succeeding Beth Cheuk in the role.

Beth Cheuk

The previous Supervisor of Community Relations for Charlottesville City Schools.

Dr. Summerlyn Thompson

The current principal of Walker Upper Elementary, who will become the new principal of Charlottesville Middle School starting in the 2026-27 school year.

John Shifflett

The new Community Relations Coordinator for Charlottesville City Schools.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Dr. Summerlyn Thompson will take over as the new principal of Charlottesville Middle School starting in the 2026-27 school year.

The takeaway

Charlottesville City Schools is investing in strengthening its facilities operations and community engagement efforts, with the promotions of Rodney Jordan and Amanda Korman Simalchik reflecting the division's priorities around maintaining safe and supportive learning environments and fostering strong ties with the local community.