In Virginia, county school boards are composed of one member from each district in that county and sometimes include an at-large member. They are elected for four-year terms and oversee the school district by setting the policies and choosing the leadership of public schools, among other duties. The Albemarle County Public Schools Board has seven members, one from each of its six districts, and one at-large member.

In the Jack Jouett District, Katherine Acuff is running unopposed. She has won unopposed for three terms since 2013.

Though Acuff is the only candidate certified by the Virginia Department of Elections, voters can write-in other candidates. Acuff was endorsed by the Albemarle County Democratic Party.

Charlottesville Tomorrow designed a questionnaire for Acuff based on more than 160 responses we received to a voter survey. She did not provide answers.

Below are the questions we sent Acuff

Here is the candidate’s contact information as provided to the Virginia State Department of Elections, searchable by last name. You can use this contact information if you would like to reach out to her yourself.

1. Despite federal criticism, Albemarle County Public Schools continues to teach a ‘whole truth history’ curriculum and maintain an anti-racism policy. What is your position on this decision?
2. ACPS has introduced additional security measures this year, including expanding the school resource officer program to all high schools. What is your view on these changes, and would you propose any additions or adjustments to these safety measures?
3. In response to community concerns, the superintendent recently confirmed that ACPS will not ask about students’ immigration status and will protect student data unless legally required to share it. Do you support this approach? Would you advocate for any changes to this policy?
4. Some families have raised concerns about student access to mental health support — an area where the district has made ongoing investment. As a school board member, what ideas would you have for strengthening or expanding these supports in Albemarle County schools?
5. Many school divisions in Virginia face challenges retaining teachers, especially in high-demand subjects like math and special education. How would you approach this issue in Albemarle County?
6. As Albemarle County’s population grows, schools are becoming more crowded and staff are under increased pressure. The school board has plans to build new schools and expand existing facilities. What additional steps would you support to help the district plan for long-term enrollment growth?
7. Funding for school districts in Virginia is changing rapidly, with less money coming from the state government and federal support also possibly disappearing. What are some of the ways you are thinking about maintaining funds and services for your school division in this shifting landscape?
8. What role do you think career and technical education should play in ACPS, and how should the district approach these kinds of programs?
9. ACPS serves a growing population of English Learner students. What is your response to the Department of Education recently rescinding guidance that told schools to accommodate students who are learning English? Do you think this should affect ACPS policies?  
10. Are there any other pressing issues facing ACPS you would like voters to know about?

More about the candidate and issues

• Virginia Public Access Project campaign finance profile 
• Cville Right Now conversation with Acuff (Aug. 15, 2025)
• Cville Right Now conversation with Acuff (Sept. 12, 2025)
• A list of articles written by C-VILLE Weekly about Acuff
• School Board Raises Own Pay and Renews Superintendent (Crozette Gazette, Aug. 8, 2025)

Here are key dates and deadlines in the 2025 elections

Friday, May 2, 2025	Early voting for primaries begins weekdays at local registrar’s offices.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025	Deadline to register to vote or update an existing registration for the primary election. You can still vote in the primary if you miss this deadline by registering at the polling place and casting a provisional ballot. You do not have to be a member of a political party to vote in that party’s primary election. However, you can only vote in one party’s primary election each year.
Friday, June 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m.	Deadline to apply for your ballot to be mailed to you. Requests must be received by your local registrar’s offices by 5 p.m.
Friday, June 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m.	Deadline to apply online for an absentee ballot using the Citizen Portal.
Saturday, June 7, 2025	Local voter registration offices open on Saturdays for early voting for primaries.
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 5:00 p.m.	Early voting for primaries ends at local registrar’s offices.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025	Primary Election Day!
Friday, Sept. 19 to Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 5:00 p.m.	Check with your local registrar’s office for early in-person voting.
Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, 5:00 p.m.	Deadline to apply with your local registrar’s office for a ballot to be mailed to you.
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025	Election Day!

We will update this list periodically as deadlines approach or we receive new information.

Register to vote, check your registration, find your polling places and apply to vote absentee at the Virginia Department of Elections here. Remember, even if you miss registration deadlines, you can register through Election Day and vote using a provisional ballot.

Need to know if you’re eligible to vote? Here are resources from the Virginia Department of Elections.