Graham Paige is not running for another term representing the Samuel Miller District on the Albemarle School Board.
Today, a veteran television journalist with local and national experience formally announced a campaign to succeed Paige.
“We need to ensure that Albemarle schools remain the best in Virginia and that every kid, no matter their circumstances, succeeds academically and graduates on time with the knowledge and skills to be a productive member of society,” said Bob Beard. “It is critical to hire and retain the best teachers and staff in the nation to keep ACPS moving forward.”
Beard has lived in Albemarle for over 20 years and has two children who attended county schools from kindergarten to high school. He’s been the president of the parent-teacher organization at Ivy Elementary and is now a member of the Albemarle Board of Equalization.
In his career, Beard worked for CNN and NBC News before becoming a news anchor at CBS19. He left that position to work as a science writer for the University of Virginia Health System. His campaign has the endorsement of Paige.
“I thank Bob for stepping up to run for this important office in our community,” Paige said. “I support his candidacy and know that he will be a valuable member of the board.”
In Virginia, school board races are strictly non-partisan. Anyone wishing to run follows rules set out for independent candidates to qualify for the general election ballot. The deadline is June 17, the same day as party primaries.
So far Beard does not have any competition. Neither does Jack Jouett District School Board Member Katherine Acuff.
The Rio District seat currently held by Kimberly Pryor is up. Pryor was appointed in January to fill a vacancy left by the death of Chuck Pace. If she decides to run, she will face Jim Dillenbeck in the November 4 election.
Before you go: This story originally appeared in the April 28, 2025 edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. This is a production of a Town Crier, as opposed to Town Criers, so it takes a bit to get to everything. If you want to increase the chance of plurality, support the info!
