News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 27, 2026
Local News
Candidate for New Kent School Board-District 4: Paul Ross
Experience: Twenty-seven years in the Navy, 15 years in federal government that includes leadership and budget experience. Reason for running: “New Kent schools are doing well but I think they can do a bit better. I want to see better job preparing courses (such as vocational education), focus on life skills, and expand curriculum.” Why people should vote for you: “I’m making a commitment of my time to New Kent schools. I will improve on the school’s communication and transparency with the public.”
Candidate for Charles City School Board- At-large: Preston Adkins
Experience: Twelve years on Charles City School Board, member of church council, caregiver. Reason for running: “Enough people feel I’m doing a good job and I feel like I need to be back in. I am going to try to be a voice for the people.” Why people should vote for you: “People should vote for me because I do the right and thing and I am fair. I’m not going to make everybody happy, but I want to do what’s right for the kids and the employees.”
Candidate for New Kent School Board-District 4: Sarah Grier-Barber
Experience: Eight years serving on New Kent’s School Board, achieved highest level of VSBA training, involved in schools including professional architect specializing in design and planning educational facilities. Reason for running: “As the mother of two New Kent students, I’m fully invested in improving and supporting our schools. With in-depth knowledge of the schools across the Commonwealth of Virginia, I will continue to work hard to give every student the best possible chance for success throughout their education journey. Why people should vote for you: “Our schools are strong, but I can believe that we can do better. I am…
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Candidate for Charles City School Board- District 3: Martha Harris
Experience: Eight years on Charles City’s School Board, eight years working in VCU, 35 years of government experience. Reason for running: “I have seen the continued growth and work in the school system. I want to devote time to the community and continue the progress we have made.” Why people should vote for you: “I’ve shown dedication to the county and the community, both old and young alike. I’m a product of Charles City schools, as well as my kids and grandchildren. I am invested in making the best choices in the interest of the children.
Candidate for New Kent School Board-District 3: Andrea Staskiel
Experience: Completing four-year term on New Kent School Board, 22 years of business management leadership experience, budget management experience. Reason for running: “I have my own unique education story that is non-traditional. I went to the workforce straight after high school and eventually owned my own business. I decided to go back to college in my 30s and I went to college [Rappahannock Community, William & Mary] and graduated Summa/Magna Cum Laude. I think I can add value to the student who think it’s too late for them to change their trajectory.” Why people should vote for you: “I am…
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Candidate for Charles City School Board- District 2: Rodney Tyler
Experience: Worked as fatherhood specialist I James City County Schools, one-to-one interaction with students. Reason for running: “The morale is real low around here and the kids feel like there is no support. I want to change the focus around here and I want the kids to trust us and ask us for help and advice. We can’t do this on our own.” Why people should vote for you: “I am going to bring more changes and help boost morale. I want to get educators more involved and hire those trained in that position. A teacher can’t teach outside their…
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Candidate for New Kent School Board-District 2: Kristin Swynford
Experience: Completing four-year term on New Kent School Board, works for state in information technology field as coordinator. Reason for running: “I continue to be excited about New Kent County. We’ve invested in a new superintendent and I want to see the growth of our students and the new school. I want to continue to serve as there is work to be done.” Why people should vote for you: “I am a voice that is committed to be a constant communicator. I am committed to get information out to the community and will continue to be transparent with them, work…
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Candidate for New Kent School Board-District 1: Wayne Meade
Editor’s Note: Wayne Meade was unavailable for an interview prior to publication.
Candidate for Charles City School Board- District 2: Herbert Johnson
Experience: Completing first term on Charles City’s School board, band chaperone, representative to Appomattox Regional Governor’s School and Code RVA. Reason for running: “I saw a vision for being the voice for kids and I have not completed that yet.” Why people should vote for you: “I have time, I have gained the experience, and I have partners around the state that will help me influence things to happen right here in Charles City’s Public Schools.”
Candidate for New Kent’s School Board-District 1: Adriane Marshall
Experience: Completing four-year term on New Kent School Board, seven years working with New Kent County, teaching experience. Reason for running: “The biggest thing is continuing to do what’s best for the kids and with the growth of our county, I want to make sure students have everything they need to be successful.” Why people should vote for you: “I care about the community. It has the best kids and I will work hard to represent the kids not only in my district, but in all districts.”
