"With 36 days left until the filing deadline, there has been minimal interest in Charlottesville’s four School Board seats up for grabs in November.

Not one resident has filed with city registrar Sheri Iachetta in only the second year that board members will be elected - and the first time elections will be held in the fall.

Board Chairman Alvin Edwards has said that he will run, making him the only member up for election who has done so.

“It’s not on peoples’ radars right now,” said Iachetta, noting that the change in election dates may be the cause of the lack of interest.

About 73 percent of city voters chose in 2005 to have elected School Board members who serve four-year terms, Iachetta said. In May 2006, Ned Michie, Leah Puryear and Juandiego Wade were the first class of elected members. The board’s election date was then changed to November to fall in line with state races and will be held every two years, Iachetta said.

The work of running a campaign could be one problem, some board members said.

“I do think that running a campaign does deter some people from seeking the position,” said board member Julie Gronlund, who will not seek re-election after serving on the board for more than six years. “I still think people will step forward.”

Since board members must run without the backing of a political party, board member Peggy Van Yahres said it can be more difficult for candidates to garner support.

“It makes people pause and wonder, ‘How do I do this? Can I do this? How will I raise money?’” Van Yahres said. She will also leave the board after serving for more than five years.

Board member Louis Bograd, who also will not run in November, said that because less attention has been placed on the board, residents may not feel as compelled to run.

“Things seem to be running smoothly in the school system now, so people may feel less urgency to serve on the board,” Bograd said.

Two years ago, the division was in flux.

Former Superintendent Scottie Griffin resigned in June 2005, three years before her contract was set to expire.

With current Superintendent Rosa S. Atkins, Gronlund said that stability has returned and the commitment one must give to the board is not excessive.

“We have a strategic plan and a great new superintendent who will guide us,” she said.

Wade, who said he took part in about six debates leading up to last May’s election, was surprised at the disinterest.

“It’s kind of surprising to me that it’s dropped off that quickly,” he said. “Last year we had six candidates and good debate.”

Hoping to drum up interest, the League of Women Voters of Charlottesville-Albemarle and the Quality Community Council will host a meeting from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday in the QCC’s conference room at 327 W. Main St.

“It is really an opportunity for those who are considering or have ever considered to flesh out their ideas more seriously,” said Loren Intolubbe-Chmil, vice president of the LWV.

School Board members and city councilors will attend the meeting and field questions.

City Councilor Kevin Lynch said he knows from talking with parents and student advocacy groups in the city that the passion for education is there.

“I’m a little worried that people saw what happened in the last School Board election and said, ‘Hey, this is something that just takes care of itself,’” Lynch said. “It’s a little intimidating to have a campaign. Sometimes people need a little encouraging.”

If three new candidates do not emerge, the board would vote to appoint members until a special election would be held, Iachetta said. If the board could not reach a majority decision, a circuit court judge would appoint the remaining members.

The deadline to file is 7 p.m. on June 12. Candidates must compile 125 signatures from registered voters, Iachetta said.

For more information, contact Iachetta at 970-3250. For more information about Saturday’s meeting, contact Intolubbe-Chmil at 984-6611." (Matt Deegan, The Daily Progress, May 8, 2007)