Recent events in our local school community have left many parents at Albemarle County Public Schools searching for answers and ways to help their children make sense of difficult news.
On June 20, 2026, ACPS announced the immediate resignation of Superintendent Michael Haas. This news came after public demand for his removal following the arrest of former school employee Michael Swiney. Here’s what parents need to know about communicating with kids during this difficult time. Plus, strategies for building open communication with your children every day.
AT A GLANCE
- In June 2026, ACPS Superintendent Michael Haas resigned after the arrests of multiple ACPS employees for felony charges, including crimes against children and possession of child sexual abuse material.
- Parents can help children process difficult news about trusted adults by prioritizing open communication.
- How much information to share will depend on a child’s age, but parents should be honest and create a safe space for children to ask questions.
- Children who know that they can talk openly with a parent or mentor are more likely to share concerns, including reporting inappropriate or dangerous behavior by other adults or peers.
Allegations and Arrests in Albemarle County Public Schools
Swiney was arrested on multiple felony charges involving alleged crimes against children. Swiney worked as a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) coach at Hollymead Elementary from the fall of 2023 to January 2026, and prior to this worked at Woodbrook Elementary since December 2021.
Swiney’s arrest comes at the heels of the arrest of Nicholas Clark in March, a former teacher at Woodbook Elementary, who is pleading guilty for the possession of child sexual abuse material (CASM).
Families in our community are struggling with these events.
Albemarle County Families React to Arrests and Allegations
Calls for Haas’s resignation came from families, other educators, and community members due to the lack of clear communication and leadership surrounding the allegations against Swiney and Clark.
Many parents and educators have called for more transparent policies about when and how teachers can have one-on-one meets with students, how these meetings are documented, and what happens when parents or students express concern about a staff member’s behavior.
If your child shares concerns about inappropriate behavior, safety, or abuse, listen carefully, document what they tell you, and seek assistance from appropriate authorities or professionals.
Creating an environment where children feel safe speaking up may be one of the most important protections we can provide.
Having Difficult Conversations with Kids: When Trusted Adults Pose a Danger
In moments of crisis, many of us remember Fred Rogers’ famous advice: “Look for the helpers.” That remains valuable wisdom after a fire, storm, or accident.
But some situations are harder to explain. Sometimes the adults, institutions, or systems that we tell children are there to help protect them become the focus of difficult questions themselves. When community trust is shaken, parents may find themselves wondering how to talk about uncertainty, accountability, and safety without creating additional fear.
During these times, one of the most powerful tools families have is ongoing, open communication.
“When children see adults responding calmly, honestly, and consistently, they learn that difficult conversations are safe to have,” says Robert Taibbi, a licensed clinical social worker.
This has benefits beyond the current moment. Children who know they can talk honestly with a parent, mentor, or trusted family friend are often more likely to:
- Share concerns
- Report inappropriate behavior
- Seek help for emotional struggles
- Speak up when something doesn’t feel right
While no family can prevent every problem, strong communication can help issues come to light sooner and show children that they’re not alone.
Communicating with Kids and Building Trust at Every Age
“The most protective conversations aren’t usually one big talk, they’re hundreds of small conversations over time,” Taibbi advises.
Here are some tips on how to build daily, open communication at every age.
Ages 3–7: Keep Conversations Simple and Frequent
- Make talking part of everyday routines, such as dinnertime or car rides.
- Teach children that they can tell you anything, even if they think they might get in trouble.
- Help them identify other adults they can go to for help, such as grandparents or close family friends.
- Use simple language about body safety, personal boundaries, and feelings.
- Listen calmly when they share concerns.
Ages 8–12: Encourage Questions
- Ask open-ended questions: “What was the best part of your day?” and “Was anything uncomfortable or confusing today?”
- Discuss news stories in age-appropriate ways.
- Reinforce that adults are not always right simply because they are adults.
- Teach children to trust their instincts if something feels wrong.
- Let them know they can come to you with concerns about friends, teachers, coaches, or anyone else.
Teens: Create Space Without Judgment
- Talk regularly, even when they seem reluctant.
- Listen more than you lecture.
- Be willing to discuss difficult topics, including mental health, bullying, abuse, relationships, and suicide.
- Avoid immediate criticism when they reveal mistakes or concerns.
- Remind them that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Communicating with Kids in Times of Crisis
Children don’t need parents who have all the answers. They need adults who are available, attentive, and willing to listen. In times when community trust feels shaken, families can create a safe harbor at home by making conversations routine rather than crisis-driven.
A simple question asked regularly (“How are you really doing?“) may not seem as obvious as emergency responders arriving at a scene. Yet these everyday conversations can be among the most important acts of protection and care we offer our children.
As our community works through difficult questions and looks toward rebuilding trust, Taibbi offers us this advice, “The strongest protection we can offer children is a relationship where they know they’ll be heard without fear.”
Keeping lines of communication open at home helps children navigate not only the challenges making headlines today, but the unknown struggles they may face tomorrow.
For parents and families seeking immediate health services, Charlottesville Tomorrow has compiled a great list of resources.
Learn more strategies for helping children through challenging times, including teaching tweens and teens to manage anxiety, helping kids feel safe when scary things happen, and the growth paradox of parenting.
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SUZANNAH SPAAR is the editor of CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine, a poet, former teacher, and mom of two.
Reviewed by Robert Taibbi, LCSW, a community mental health specialist with Weber & Associates, and Frances Greenstein, LPC & LMFT, an individual, couple, and family therapist with New Beginnings FCS. Frances is a member of the CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Board.