CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Albemarle County School Board is in the midst of the selection process for its vacant at-large seat, following the resignation of Allison Spillman last month.
There are 13 active candidates vying for the position, and 12 of them were interviewed last Thursday by the board in its public meeting. With a public hearing scheduled for this Thursday at 6:30 p.m., here’s what to know about the candidates.
Jimmy Belew
A parent and local business owner, Belew has made a name for himself as an outspoken advocate within the school division and often, a vocal critic of the board. He is currently engaged in a civil suit against ACPS, according to court records, and publicly supported the petition launched last month to remove Jack Jouett representative Kate Acuff. He intends to run for the board in 2027, but not for the at-large seat.
Belew did not address his lawsuit or involvement with the petition to remove Acuff during his interview. Instead, he focused on his own personal struggles as a student, and those of his children. He said he has seen how the school system can miss signs of struggling students, even with parent intervention, and it is one of the biggest reasons he’s applying for this open spot…