The Albemarle County School Board unanimously appointed Leslie Pryor as the Rio Magisterial District representative on January 23, after a public hearing on the candidates. Pryor was one of seven people vying for the seat, which was left vacant following the death of board member Chuck Pace in December 2024.
In a release announcing her appointment, the board cited Pryor’s academic and professional experience as assets to the district. She currently works as the program associate and alumni coordinator for the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, where she is also working toward a masters degree in public safety.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to serve our community,” said Pryor in the January 24 release. “My focus will be on increasing teacher pay and incentives, enhancing facilities to ensure safety for students and employees, collaborating with neighboring school divisions, and ensuring all children—regardless of socio-economic background, race, ethnicity, or gender—have what they need to succeed in school.”
Pryor’s term will run through December 31, 2025, and the Rio seat will appear on the general election ballot this November. Jim Dillenbeck, who ran for the position last year and also applied for the position this January, said he plans to run again and will likely launch his campaign in March.
