Albemarle County School Board Begins 2026 Focused on Student Achievement, Facilities and a Strong Workforce

By Albemarle County Public Schools

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. — With new leadership in place and two new members sworn in earlier this year, the Albemarle County School Board begins 2026 focused on strengthening student achievement, investing in school facilities and building a strong workforce across Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS).

In a new “Get to Know Your School Board Members” Q&A, all seven School Board members identified improving student outcomes and closing persistent achievement gaps as a top priority. They also emphasized addressing school capacity needs and modernizing aging facilities, supporting and retaining high-quality staff, and exercising thoughtful governance through responsible budget planning, long-range strategy and stewardship of public resources.

Student Achievement and Closing Gaps

Across their responses, Board members identified improving student achievement and closing opportunity gaps as the division’s most urgent work.

“Our top priorities right now include closing the achievement gap, with a focus on reading and math for all students,” said Board Chair Rebecca Berlin, who represents the White Hall District.

Several members emphasized strengthening reading and mathematics instruction and accelerating improvement in student performance. Others noted that while progress has been made, additional work is needed to improve outcomes for students who have historically experienced lower achievement.

Recent performance data show persistent disparities in achievement across several student groups, reinforcing the Board’s stated focus on improving outcomes for all students.

Members also referenced the division’s adoption of new literacy and math curricula, expanded intervention supports and enhanced assessments as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen instruction and monitor progress.

Facilities and Long-Term Planning

In addition to academic priorities, members identified capital planning and modernization of school facilities as essential components of the division’s long-term success. Several highlighted the need to address existing capacity challenges, particularly at the secondary level, renovate aging buildings and plan strategically for future construction.

“It is essential that ACPS makes real progress in raising the achievement scores of our students, and that we reduce gaps, and we need a viable plan to address our continuing capital needs,” said Kate Acuff, who represents the Jack Jouett District.

Through the Capital Improvement Program, the School Board has identified a new comprehensive high school, improvements at Stony Point Elementary School, Albemarle High School and Western Albemarle High School, and the development of a preschool center among its top capital priorities.

Members emphasized that updated infrastructure and thoughtful long-range planning are critical to supporting student learning and ensuring the division remains responsive to both current needs and future challenges.

Building and Sustaining a Strong Workforce

Alongside investments in facilities and academic supports, members underscored the importance of building and sustaining a strong workforce as foundational to student success. Several noted that improving student outcomes depends on recruiting and retaining high-quality employees and maintaining competitive pay and working conditions.

“I know we can attract and retain the best teachers in the nation with excellent pay, benefits and working conditions,” said Bob Beard, who represents the Samuel Miller District.

Others emphasized the role of supportive professional environments and thoughtful planning in maintaining stable, effective schools. The Board recently approved collective bargaining agreements for licensed educators and education support professionals and continues to review policies related to salaries, benefits and working conditions.

Strategic Governance and Fiscal Responsibility

As outlined in School Board policy, the Albemarle County School Board establishes the vision and strategic direction of the division, adopts policies, approves curriculum and learning resources, determines the school calendar, adopts the annual budget, and hires and evaluates the superintendent. The superintendent serves as the division’s chief administrative officer and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of ACPS in alignment with Board-adopted goals.

Members emphasized that their role requires thoughtful oversight, collaboration and careful stewardship of public resources.

“Students are always at the center of my decision-making,” said Vice Chair Allison Spillman, the Board’s at-large representative. “I consider what will best support student learning, well-being and long-term success. I also weigh equity, fiscal responsibility, staff sustainability and the long-term impact of our choices.”

The School Board is currently in Year 4 of its five-year strategic plan and will soon consider whether to reaffirm, revise or replace that plan. Several members noted that addressing long-standing challenges requires focused, consistent work over time and principled decision-making that balances immediate needs with long-range planning.

“Meaningful progress will require patience, consistency, and a willingness to refine what isn’t working,” said Ellen Osborne of the Scottsville District. “Progress will come from staying focused and consistent.”

Full Q&A responses and video clips from each member are available from the School Board Members web page through the “Get to Know” profiles. Regular School Board meetings are open to the public, with meeting dates, agendas and materials available on the division’s ElectronicSchoolBoard website.