Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Dr. Kate Acuff, chair of the Albemarle County School Board, discussed the board’s recent budget decisions at their second meeting in March. During a meeting with Board of Supervisors, O’Keefe and her colleague Dr. Rebecca Berlin presented their funding request. Acuff emphasized the importance of protecting staff and maintaining quality instruction, despite the need for significant cuts. “We had to make a lot of significant cuts,” Acuff said, “but the primary things we were interested in protecting, we were interested in protecting our staff… we were interested in protecting our kids, protecting their security and mental health.” The board’s budget includes a 3% salary increase for all staff, although it also involved eliminating about 40 full-time positions in response to funding constraints. 

The school division also discussed its forward-thinking initiatives aimed at improving student engagement and career readiness. With national data indicating a decline in student engagement from elementary to high school, Acuff emphasized the need for new pathways that prepare students for life after graduation. “We want to make sure that we are preparing students for life after high school,” Acuff explained. One of the new programs, the Scholar Studios, will focus on providing students with career-oriented learning opportunities that blend academic and technical skills. These include pathways in architecture, entrepreneurship, and medical sciences, offering students more flexible and inclusive options to explore career interests. 

Looking ahead, Acuff is optimistic about the future of Albemarle County schools. She highlighted the importance of student feedback in shaping the school board’s decisions, particularly with the implementation of culturally responsive education. “The best part of the meeting for me is always when we have students participating,” Acuff shared, noting the positive impact the program is already having on students’ learning experiences.  

Listen to the full conversation here: