Anna Weddle announces Re-election Bid in Amsterdam District

It has been an honor to represent the Amsterdam District on the Botetourt County School Board the past four years, and this year as Chair. I am enthusiastically announcing my intention to continue this role and run for re-election this November. I am a lifelong resident of Botetourt County. After graduating from James River High School, I earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology from James Madison University and a Master’s of Education degree in Health Promotion from Virginia Tech. My husband, Chris, and I have two daughters attending Botetourt County Public Schools,  allowing me to interact often with other parents and share their stories of excitement and concerns regarding the school system. 

It is important to me to be an advocate for students and parents alike. I volunteer often at school and am privileged to hear from both teachers and parents. Building a relationship with families in the Amsterdam District is crucial to understanding and representing educational concerns of the community. I want to ensure all tax-payers are well represented and know exactly how their money is being spent. In my term the School Board has reflected that vision, establishing transparency through a line-item budget and streaming and recording all meetings. 

It is critical for teachers to have their needs met while also balancing student needs and school maintenance on aging buildings. I want to make sure that Botetourt County is a desired teaching location so that we recruit and retain teachers of the highest quality. That can only be done with competitive salaries and quality facilities.

Botetourt County is at a pivotal moment in its history. Hundreds of new jobs are coming to the area, the Amsterdam District in particular. The School Board and Board of Supervisors must work in harmony to establish an infrastructure that not only meets Botetourt’s near-term needs, but frames the county for decades of success. 

Our school system is in a strong position. However, it is time to build on that base. Our school system realized considerable accomplishments during my term despite the pandemic. I look forward to building on that progress with the rest of  my esteemed board members and our new superintendent.

–Submitted by Anna Leffel Weddle for Amsterdam School Board Representative, School Board photo composite.