Dear Members of Our ACPS Community,
I am saddened to share news of the passing of our Rio District School Board Representative, Chuck Pace. Chuck was a long-standing and dedicated Albemarle County Public Schools community member. His journey with ACPS began in 1986 as a Biology teacher at Albemarle High School and spanned more than three decades. His work as an educator, mentor and leader touched many lives.
Chuck’s dedication to our students’ success, our families’ well-being, and our employees’ professional growth was rock-solid. His passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom, whether coaching lacrosse, track or football, serving as a technology facilitator in the early days of educational technology, or leading curriculum development as ACPS’s Science Instructional Coordinator. Chuck sincerely believed in the power of collaboration and innovation coupled with effective classroom instruction. In his words, “Technology needs to be part of an overall teaching strategy that enhances what is already happening in the classroom.”
When I began working with Chuck in 2004, I was immediately struck by his strong commitment to supporting educators. He took the time to understand teachers’ challenges and offered practical, friendly solutions that elevated our work. Chuck inspired us to aim higher, always rooted in his belief that every student deserved the best we could offer.
Chuck’s legacy will live on in the thousands of students, colleagues and families whose lives he enriched. As we mourn our loss, let us also celebrate a life spent making our community stronger, more compassionate, and more united through public education.
I understand that many of you may be grieving or experiencing challenging emotions in the days ahead. For our dedicated faculty and staff, please know that Albemarle County Public Schools is here to support you. Our Grief Resources page provides valuable information on coping with grief, strategies for managing stress, and ways to care for yourself and others during difficult times. We encourage you to take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through the Office of Human Resources. This program offers no-cost counseling sessions to help you navigate challenges. You can reach out directly to EAP at 833-306-0108.
Let us come together as a community, offering kindness, patience and empathy to support one another during this time of sorrow. My thoughts are with Chuck’s family as we reflect on his memory—a testament to the power of service and a life well lived.
With my regards,
School Board Statements
The members of the Albemarle County School Board are stunned and heartbroken at the sudden and untimely death of our fellow board member, Chuck Pace. His death is a loss for us and a loss for the ACPS community that he served for so many years. We will miss Chuck personally and professionally and wish to share a bit of what he meant to us.
“Serving the ACPS community was vital to Chuck, as he was vital to it. He volunteered for several of the board’s committees and spent as much time as he could visiting schools and central office. A week and a half before he died, he and I were discussing possibly scheduling a meeting during the holiday break. I grumbled at it; he said, “I’ll be there, and I’ll be happy to be there with all of you.” It was genuine and I was surprised by it though I shouldn’t have been. His purpose in serving is, and will always be, inspiring. I will miss him on many levels.” – Chair Judy Le
“A year ago, the school board selected Chuck Pace from several applicants to fill a vacancy. Just a week ago many of us witnessed Chuck’s swearing in to office after his decisive win in November’s special election affirmed the good work he had done during the year. Chuck was an exceptional person and during his brief time on the school board he shared his unique perspective; took the time to visit many of our schools and meet with principals, teachers, and students; and worked hard to contribute to ACPS and the Albemarle community. Although Chuck had health challenges, he was one of the hardest-working school board members. I am shaken by his passing but inspired by the fact that Chuck always brought his A-game. His loss will be deeply felt.” – Vice-Chair Kate Acuff
“Chuck has served ACPS throughout his career. First as a teacher, then in central office, and finally as an appointee and then an elected school board member. He was always focused on what we could do to better serve the students and families, as well as the teachers and staff. He spent time in the schools every week listening to the needs and ideas of everyone. He always used that information to make the best decisions for ACPS. Chuck will be missed.” – Representative Rebecca Berlin
“I will miss Chuck’s enthusiasm, humor, and kindness. Chuck represented all the best things about education—as a board member, he understood the challenges of both the central office and the classroom. He had a genuine love for the kids and wanted the best for all of us in ACPS. His curiosity was engaging and authentic. His loss will be deeply felt.” – Representative Ellen Osborne
“Chuck served in many capacities during his career as an educator in Albemarle County Public Schools. Whether in the capacity of classroom teacher, coach, science coordinator or school board member, Chuck’s ultimate goal was to ensure that every student in our schools received the best possible education. His commitment, sincerity and concern for his fellowman will be genuinely missed on our board.” – Representative Graham Paige
“Chuck dedicated his career to teaching and coaching and his passion for students and teachers was evident every single day. Serving on the Albemarle County School Board was just another way for him to make a difference in the lives of so many people in our community. Chuck was kind and thoughtful and he will be missed dearly.” – Representative Allison Spillman
“I always saw Mr. Pace as someone who deeply cared about the well-being of the children, teachers, and staff in our division. His thoughtfulness was evident in every interaction we had. He was consistently kind and expressed sincere appreciation for even the smallest gesture I made. About once a month, he would stop by my office for a visit, and those moments became a cherished part of my routine. We would share stories about our lives, discussing our children and families, creating a bond that I will always treasure. I will miss him. He was not just a good man; he was a genuinely kind man whose impact will resonate with all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.” – Clerk Christine Thompson