Albemarle County School Board Welcomes New Members, Elects 2026 Leadership

By Albemarle County Public Schools

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. — The Albemarle County School Board welcomed two new members and elected its leadership for the year during its annual organizational meeting Thursday evening.

Returning board member Dr. Katherine L. Acuff, who represents the Jack Jouett District, was sworn in for a new term alongside newly elected members Robert Beard of the Samuel Miller District and James Dillenbeck of the Rio District.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the board elected Dr. Rebecca Berlin, who represents the White Hall District, as chair and Allison Spillman, at-large representative, as vice chair. The board also reappointed Christine Thompson as clerk of the School Board and confirmed committee and advisory group liaison assignments for the year ahead.

Beard brings experience in education advocacy, communications and public service. A longtime resident of the Ivy community, he has been actively involved in Albemarle County Public Schools through parent leadership roles and service on school-based committees and has worked as a substitute teacher. He previously worked in broadcast journalism and public affairs and has served in a range of civic and volunteer roles, including on the Albemarle County Equalization Board.

“I’m honored to join the School Board and grateful for the opportunity to serve,” Beard said. “I look forward to listening to our community and working with my colleagues to support strong public schools for all students.”

Dillenbeck brings both classroom and financial experience to the board. He previously taught social studies and coached at Albemarle High School before working with educators nationwide in support of student learning experiences. For more than two decades, he has worked as a financial advisor serving families and businesses. He and his family have lived in the Charlottesville-Albemarle area for more than 30 years.

“Public education plays a vital role in our community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that work,” Dillenbeck said. “I’m eager to collaborate with fellow board members and hear from families and staff.”

First elected to the School Board in November 2013, Acuff provides continuity during the board’s transition to new leadership. She has served as chair on multiple occasions, most recently in 2025, and brings professional experience in law, public health, science and policy across the public, private and nonprofit sectors to her work on the board.

“Serving as chair has been a privilege, and I’m proud of the work this board has done together,” Acuff said. “I look forward to continuing to serve and supporting a smooth leadership transition in the year ahead.”

Berlin, who took office in January 2023 and represents the White Hall District, brings experience as an educator and administrator, including work in early childhood and special education, instructional support and school leadership.

“As we begin the year, the board remains focused on thoughtful governance and collaboration in support of student learning,” Berlin said. “I’m honored to serve as chair and to continue working alongside my colleagues—new and returning—on behalf of students, families and our constituents across Albemarle County.”

While the annual organizational meeting focuses on leadership and procedural actions, it also marks the beginning of the School Board’s work for the year. The Albemarle County School Board sets the vision and goals for the school division, adopts policies, approves the annual budget, and hires and evaluates the superintendent. Board members govern collectively, focusing on policy, accountability, and long-range planning rather than day-to-day school operations.

The board also serves as a connection between the community and the school division, receiving public input and making decisions during open meetings. As part of its organizational process, board members review and affirm expectations for ethical conduct and professional collaboration, reinforcing a shared commitment to respectful, transparent governance focused on student success.

With leadership established and new members sworn in, the Albemarle County School Board begins the year prepared to continue its work on behalf of students, families, employees, and the broader community. Regular School Board meetings are open to the public, with meeting dates and agendas available on the division’s ElectronicSchoolBoard website.