Dr. Summerlyn Thompson will become the principal of the newly expanded and modernized Charlottesville Middle School starting in the 2026-27 school year.

Dr. Thompson currently serves as the principal of Walker Upper Elementary and was previously the principal of Johnson (now Tall Oaks) Elementary for seven years. 

“We are very fortunate to bring Dr. Thompson to the helm as we officially complete reconfiguration and welcome 6th graders to the middle school this August,” said Dr. Royal A. Gurley, Superintendent of Charlottesville City Schools. “She is a deeply skilled and experienced school leader. Even more important, she is known across Charlottesville for building strong relationships with staff and families, which is at the core of a great education for students.”

Dr. Thompson began her educational career as a teacher at Venable (now Trailblazer) Elementary in 2003, later serving at Johnson as a math specialist and assistant principal before becoming principal. She holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Virginia, along with an additional master’s from James Madison University and a doctorate from Virginia Tech. She is the recipient of the 2024 James Madison University Literacy Alumni Award, was named one of the Daily Progress’s “Distinguished Dozen” in 2022, and was given the Beloved Community Award from Abundant Life Ministry in 2020. She is the mother of three children in Charlottesville City Schools: Presley, Benjamin, and Mary Emma. 

“Charlottesville Middle School is already a great school thanks to the work of Principal Rodney Jordan, the CMS leadership team, and the staff,” Dr. Thompson said. “I am thrilled to join CMS and work alongside everyone as we move together into this next season!"

Dr. Thompson succeeds Mr. Rodney Jordan, who has served as principal of CMS (formerly Buford) since 2021. Under Jordan's leadership, the school gained full accreditation in 2024-25 and came out of federal identification status in 2025-26. Jordan also led the school through three years of construction, all while increasing staff retention and developing popular positive school culture initiatives like monthly pep rallies and “Tie It Up Thursday.” Jordan will be transitioning to another position within the school division. 

The first phase of Charlottesville Middle School opened in August 2025, with 7th and 8th graders learning in a brand-new academic building on the campus of the former Buford Middle School. The second and final phase, when 6th graders will be welcomed to the school, is expected to be complete in August 2026, and includes a total interior renovation of the old Buford spaces. The total anticipated cost of this three-year construction and renovation project will be $91.8 million, which is the City’s first significant investment in school facilities since the opening of CHS in 1974. A $17.6 million grant from the Virginia Department of Education is also helping to support.