At its first meeting of 2026, the Albemarle County School Board swore in two new members: Bob Beard and Jim Dillenbeck.
While Beard ran uncontested for the Samuel Miller District seat, Dillenbeck’s election to the Rio District has been a years-long effort. He successfully unseated Board appointee Leslie Pryor last November with 51.3 percent of the vote. Pryor was appointed to the Board in early 2025 after the death of Chuck Pace, who defeated Dillenbeck in the 2024 general election.
“Public education plays a vital role in our community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that work,” said Dillenbeck in a press release from Albemarle County Public Schools. “I’m eager to collaborate with fellow board members and hear from families and staff.”
Kate Acuff, former chair of the Board, was also sworn in for another term at the January 8 meeting. White Hall District representative Rebecca Berlin was elected as chair, and at-large representative Allison Spillman as vice-chair for 2026.
The Albemarle County School Board’s next meeting is at 6pm on January 22.—Catie Ratliff
