ANTR 2017 - Paul H. Cale, Sr. from Cville PEG-TV on Vimeo.

PAUL H. CALE, SR.

Paul Cale didn’t walk the stage and receive a diploma from Mr. Hurt, but he did make it possible for everyone who did. The school was his vision for the students of Albemarle County, and it was built thanks to the passage of a bond referendum that he initiated and supported during a two year campaign.  And, he hired Mr. Hurt, first as a teacher at Greenwood High, and then as principal of Albemarle.

Dr. Cale began his career in education as a teacher at Red Hill High School, and then Principal of Greenwood High School. He became Superintendent of Albemarle County Public Schools in 1947 and served in that role until 1969, the longest of anyone in the position. 

During his years as Superintendent, education in Albemarle County joined the modern area and became an example for other counties. He initiated an effort that led to the construction of larger, modern elementary, middle and high schools that allowed the school system to consolidate from 52 buildings, a majority of which were one-teacher facilities, to 18. Albemarle High School was built and opened in 1953 and consolidated the remaining 9 elementary/high schools in the county except for Scottsville.

Dr. Cale, first and foremost, believed that students deserved the best education that Albemarle County could offer. And he worked to make that reality for 37 years. He had an annual goal to visit every class room in the county at least once each year. He spent many hours at Albemarle, and was present at many after school events.

His son, Paul Cale, Jr. summed up why he had such an impact on the county’s schools. "He cared about students, teachers and community members alike."

Dr. Cale was nominated by Lindsay Harrington.