A man recently re-elected to represent the Rio District on the Albemarle School Board has died, according to School Superintendent Matthew Haas.
“I am saddened to share news of the passing of our Rio District School Board Representative, Chuck Pace,” Haas wrote in a message to the school community. “Chuck was a long-standing and dedicated Albemarle County Public Schools community member.”
Haas said he has worked with Pace since 2004.
“Chuck’s legacy will live on in the thousands of students, colleagues and families whose lives he enriched,” Haas continued. “As we mourn our loss, let us also celebrate a life spent making our community stronger, more compassionate, and more united through public education.”
Pace was appointed to the School Board in late 2023 shortly after the election of Katrina Callsen to the 54th House District of the Virginia General Assembly. He won election to a four-year term on November 5 with 52.35 percent of the vote in a contested race.
An advocacy group that seeks to promote in Albemarle County sent out a message announcing Pace’s death early December 19.
“It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the recent, sudden passing of Albemarle County School Board member Chuck Pace,” reads the message from Forward Albemarle.
Forward Albemarle said Pace has a legacy of influence in the county’s school system.
“He spent nearly 30 years as a science educator in ACPS, 11 years as the K-12 Science Instructional Coordinator for the division,” the release continues. “He was a coach, a mentor, and a friend to so many.”
Fellow School Board member Allison Spillman also shared condolences on her Facebook page.
“Chuck spent his career teaching and coaching and his passion for students and teachers was evident in his work on the school board,” Spillman wrote in a post this morning.
In his message, Haas directed anyone grieving to internal resources.
“Let us come together as a community, offering kindness, patience and empathy to support one another during this time of sorrow,” Haas said. “My thoughts are with Chuck’s family as we reflect on his memory—a testament to the power of service and a life well lived.”
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