Jim Dillenbeck

I was inspired to join the Board based on numerous conversations with families in the neighborhood, former and current teachers, and other community members. I had the privilege of teaching and coaching at Albemarle High School (AHS) in the 1990s and wanted to bring that experience (and 25 years of business experience) to the Board. I know firsthand some of the struggles and challenges that students and parents face, and I hope to improve the educational environment for all students.

I represent the Rio District, which is incredibly diverse and growing quickly. As I spoke with hundreds of people during the campaigns over the last two years, I heard from many who had attended schools in the district and now have children or grandchildren in those same schools. We have a heritage of strong schools in this county and so many good teachers and staff to thank for that.

I see the primary job of public schools as educating students and preparing them for a great future, whether that is work, the military, or college. I think our ultimate goal should be to see every student able to learn and pass standardized tests in reading, math, science, and social studies beginning in the third grade and continuing throughout high school.

I believe our top priority needs to be improved reading and math instruction and assessments for elementary students. Some elementary school student groups have seen a failure rate of 75% in reading scores; that is unacceptable and needs to be corrected. We are making progress, but there is still a lot of work to be done. And we need to make honest assessments and changes in the process.

I’m hopeful that we can bring our various experiences and ideas to bear on the challenges we face and have meaningful discussion and debate. And I would like to invite teachers and administrators and parents to be involved in helping us as a Board make the changes necessary.