School Board Chair Reid Goldstein won’t run for reelection

(Updated at 12:55 p.m.) The Chair of the Arlington School Board just announced that he will not be running for reelection.

Reid Goldstein was first elected in 2015, after winning a two-way Democratic endorsement caucus. An Arlington resident for nearly 40 years, Goldstein participated in various local committees and civic groups prior to his election and is the father of two Arlington public school grads.

He said today in a statement that he is “excited to explore new ways of serving the community.”

After serving nearly eight years on the Arlington School Board, I have made the decision not to seek another term. I have always believed that building a healthy and desirable community is not a spectator sport and have been committed to public service in Arlington for almost 25 years. However, as this chapter of my life comes to a close, I am excited to explore new ways of serving the community.

I am deeply grateful to the Arlington community, students, teachers, support staff, administrators, parents, and colleagues who have made my time on the School Board so fulfilling. Together, we have made great progress and I am proud of what we have accomplished.

I will make a formal announcement about my decision not to run at the next meeting of the Arlington Democrats on March 1.

He was lauded on social media this morning by the 2022 School Board chair, Barbara Kanninen, who also chose not to seek reelection last year.

They broke the mold when they created @ReidForSchools – an independent thinker, huge believer in our kids, schools, and community, great cook & friend. I appreciate his forever commitment to Arlington & the @APSVirginia community. https://t.co/zvMhyjZCPL

— Barbara Kanninen (@BarbaraKanninen) February 21, 2023

This afternoon (Tuesday), Arlington parent Miranda Turner announced the launch of her second bid for a seat on the School Board.

Turner made a name for herself during her first campaign in 2021, calling for a quicker return to in-person learning when APS was still virtual due to Covid. She dropped out after her opponent, Mary Kadera, won the endorsement of the Arlington County Democratic Committee.

“I’m running because we have students in our schools now who need more from APS,” Turner said in a statement. “From quality instruction, resources to recruit, support and retain teachers, equitable support, high expectations for all, and oversight that asks tough questions — these are the cornerstones to a quality school system.”

Others may also make announcements at the upcoming Wednesday, March 1 meeting of the Arlington County Democratic Committee.