Asheville City Schools Board of Education
What does this office do?
- Deciding how school district money is spent
- Picking the superintendent
- Choosing curriculum, within state rules
Affects: Government Efficiency, Government Spending Reduction, Public Safety and Crime Control,
Candidates:
Nonpartisan
Daniel Shetley is a 2026 candidate for the Asheville City Schools Board of Education. An Asheville native and parent of two district students, he says he has worked in mental health for more than twenty years and calls for greater transparency and public participation in board decisions.
Nonpartisan
Daria Datnoff is a candidate for the Asheville City Schools Board of Education in 2026. The Buncombe County Board of Elections lists her among six candidates for four seats.
Nonpartisan
Gordon Grant is a 2026 candidate for the Asheville City Schools Board of Education. He is a retired Asheville City Schools principal and educator who served on the Asheville City Schools Foundation board.
Nonpartisan · Incumbent
Liza English-Kelly is an Asheville City Schools Board of Education member seeking another term in 2026. She has worked as an elementary and preschool teacher and was a founding teacher at Little Field School.
Nonpartisan · Incumbent
Rebecca Strimer is vice chair of the Asheville City Schools Board of Education and is seeking another term in 2026. She has a background in social work.
Nonpartisan · Incumbent
Sarah Thornburg chairs the Asheville City Schools Board of Education and is seeking another term in 2026. She is an attorney at McGuire Wood & Bissette and previously taught high school social studies.
Sources: buncombenc.gov23 · ashevillecityschools.net