Kristen Larson
Kristen Larson (photo courtesy of Kristen Larson)
Another Richmond School Board representative is looking to make the leap to Richmond City Council.
Kristen Larson, who represents the Westover Hills-anchored fourth district on the board, filed her council candidacy paperwork on Monday. Larson is seeking to fill the seat held by longtime representative Kathy Graziano, who is expected to retire at year's end.
Larson served as the school board’s vice chair for two years during her first term. She co-chaired the board’s facilities task force, which laid the groundwork for developing a long-term plan to overhaul Richmond Public Schools’ aging building stock. She also has been a staunch supporter of Superintendent Dana Bedden’s administration.
In an interview Monday afternoon, Larson said she is running for council to ensure that public education is prioritized in the future.
“Right now in our city, I see a lot of work being done in silos. I think that the city needs and wants a vision, and I think education has to be a part of that vision,” Larson said. “Public safety, economic development, workforce development – all of these things are not going to be successful unless you include education in the conversation.”
Larson is the second school board member to formally file paperwork for a council run. Kimberly Gray, who represents Carver, Jackson Ward and part of the Fan on the board, formalized her candidacy in March. Jeff Bourne, the board’s chairman, is also weighing a council run in the third district, which covers the North side.
To date, no other candidate has filed to run for Graziano’s seat. Tuesday, June 14 is the deadline to file paperwork to appear on the November ballot.
