FOXVA News at 10: Parents seek answers at school board meeting after arrests, resignation

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (#CBS19NEWS) -- Parents called for answers at a meeting of the Albemarle County School Board following the resignation of board member Jim Dillenbeck and the arrests of three school administrators on misdemeanor charges. Former Hollymead Elementary School Principal Joseph McCauley, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer Jhonce "Brodie" Downs and Title IX Coordinator Erin Stone each face three misdemeanor charges, including charges involving the alleged failure to report information related to aggravated sexual battery. The arrests have brought more scrutiny to how the school division handles allegations and whether families can trust those responsible for student safety. “There’s a lot of gossip going on, and I think it’s y’all’s responsibility to clarify what’s going on,” one speaker said. Parent Phil Riese questioned whether the board could address concerns about the division’s culture. “The school board that oversaw this toxic culture cannot be the school board that fixes it,” said Riese. Dillenbeck’s resignation adds another layer. His fellow board members had called on him to step down, accusing him of sharing confidential personnel information. The board is now working to fill his Rio District seat. The meeting also focused on how the school division will move forward and whether additional investigations may follow. "There is considerable pain and uncertainty in the community and we acknowledge that. We need to come together as a board and as a community. We will not always agree, disagreement is not failure," said Albemarle County School Board Chair Rebecca Berlin. Questions about the division and its response to allegations remain, with many attendees looking to the school board for answers.