James Madison High School is months into a search for a permanent principal, and students say the process has largely excluded them.

Former principal Liz Calvert served five years at Madison before taking a position in Prince William County after the 2025-2026 school year, The Hawk Talk, Madison's student newspaper, first reported. The vacancy triggered a summer selection process overseen by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Region One, which covers the Madison pyramid.

Assistant Superintendent Jameile Choice sent an email July 13 inviting students, parents and staff to a community meeting two days later at Madison. Only a limited number of people in the Madison community received it, The Hawk Talk reported, causing confusion.

The July 15 meeting drew roughly five students and five faculty members. Hunter Mill District School Board member Melanie Meren attended.

Meren told The Hawk Talk that attendees were frustrated by the lack of detail shared at the meeting. "Some of these aspects are confidential, and some are impacted by matters that unfold in real time," Meren said.

The interview panel was to include three staff members, three parents or community members and one high school student. Ben Gummer, a Madison student in the class of 2028, was selected as the alternate for the student seat. The primary student representative has not been publicly identified. The panel's meeting date was moved several times after the initial form went out.

With no permanent hire in place by the start of school, FCPS appointed Michelle Makrigiorgos as interim principal. Makrigiorgos has more than 30 years of experience as an FCPS educator and previously led Louise Archer Elementary School for 18 years. Her long-standing connection to the Madison pyramid contributed to her selection, The Hawk Talk reported.

Makrigiorgos told the student newspaper she hopes to maintain working policies and support staff through a smooth transition.

Not every student knew about the summer process. Jason Ye, a Madison senior, told The Hawk Talk he never received the Region One email and was frustrated by the lack of communication about student roles in the selection.

No specific timeline has been announced for naming a permanent principal. Makrigiorgos told The Hawk Talk she prefers not to commit to a date too far in advance.

Ye said he would participate if another panel convenes to choose a permanent replacement.