Schultz, Former Fairfax School Board Member, Runs in Chesterfield
TL;DR: Elizabeth Schultz, a former Fairfax County School Board member, is running for the Chesterfield County School Board Clover Hill District seat in a special election expected this November.
Quick facts
- Who: Elizabeth Schultz
- What: Running for Chesterfield County School Board, Clover Hill District
- When: Special election November 2026 (date to be confirmed)
- Where: Chesterfield County
The story
Elizabeth Schultz, who previously represented the Springfield District on the Fairfax County School Board from 2012 to 2019, announced her candidacy for the Chesterfield County School Board on August 31, 2026. She is running for the Clover Hill District seat in a special election expected to take place in November 2026, with the exact date to be confirmed by a county judge.
The Clover Hill seat became vacant when Dorothy "Dot" Heffron resigned in September 2025 following controversy over social media comments. Dr. Jenna Darby was appointed as interim representative, effective January 1, 2026, and will serve until the special election fills the seat for the remainder of Heffron's term, which runs through December 31, 2027.
Schultz lost her re-election bid for the Fairfax County School Board in 2019. Since then, she has served as Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction in the Youngkin administration. She will face Democratic candidate Christina Romers Brady in the special election. Neither candidate's specific platform positions have been publicly detailed in available sources.
Key players
- Elizabeth Schultz: Candidate for Chesterfield County School Board, Clover Hill District; former Fairfax County School Board member (2012-2019); former Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction in Youngkin administration
- Christina Romers Brady: Democratic candidate for Clover Hill District seat
- Dr. Jenna Darby: Interim Chesterfield County School Board representative for Clover Hill District
- Dorothy 'Dot' Heffron: Former Chesterfield County School Board representative for Clover Hill District (resigned September 2025)
Key dates
- 2026-11-01: Chesterfield County School Board Clover Hill District special election (date to be confirmed)
- 2027-11-01: Regular Chesterfield County School Board elections for all seats
The case for
Schultz brings previous school board experience from her service in Fairfax County and recent experience in state education administration, potentially offering continuity of leadership and established relationships within Virginia's education policy landscape.
The case against
As a Republican candidate backed by political organizations, Schultz may represent a partisan direction that some voters believe conflicts with the nonpartisan character traditionally expected of school board governance, which should focus on student outcomes and operational efficiency rather than political affiliation.
Why it matters: The Clover Hill District seat is one of five on the Chesterfield County School Board, which oversees a major public school system serving tens of thousands of students. The special election will determine school board leadership at a time when districts nationwide face decisions on curriculum, budgets, and educational priorities.
Places
- Clover Hill District (Chesterfield County)+Chesterfield+VA)
Development timeline
- 2012-01-01Elizabeth Schultz elected to Fairfax County School Board: Schultz began serving as school board member for Springfield District [source]
- 2019-11-01Schultz loses Fairfax County School Board re-election: Schultz's bid for re-election to the Fairfax County School Board was unsuccessful [source]
- 2020-01-01Schultz joins Youngkin administration: Schultz appointed as Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction in the Youngkin administration [source]
- 2025-09-01Heffron resigns from Chesterfield School Board: Dorothy 'Dot' Heffron, Clover Hill District representative, resigned following social media controversy [source]
- 2026-01-01Dr. Jenna Darby appointed as interim representative: Dr. Darby appointed as interim Clover Hill District representative, effective January 1, 2026 [source]
- 2026-08-31Elizabeth Schultz announces candidacy: Schultz announced her run for the Chesterfield County School Board Clover Hill District seat [source]
Related links
Read the original at Google News: Chesterfield School Board →
Sources
- Chesterfield GOP: Elizabeth Schultz announces run for school board, Clover Hill district
- Blue Virginia: Former Fairfax County School Board Member Elizabeth Schultz Running in Chesterfield County
- Ballotpedia: Elizabeth Schultz
- Roanoke.com: Chesterfield School Board eyes 2026 special election to fill Heffron vacancy
- VPM: Chesterfield County School Board chooses new leaders with some dissent