“It’s just been a part of my whole life.” That Civil Rights Movement-era upbringing first made Grimes aware of social inequalities, and it also put the importance of housing on her radar at an early age. That set of inspirations have now led Grimes to pursue small-scale development to provide affordable housing in the Cuyler-Brownville Neighborhood where she lives. Through a new incubator program organized by the now-sunset Housing Savannah Inc., Grimes’ ambitions are one step closer to reality.

Jumpstart Coastal Georgia: new program builds community-focused development

Valarie Grimes lives in the Cuyler-Brownville neighborhood.

Jumpstart Coastal Georgia: new program builds community-focused ...

Valarie Grimes lives in the Cuyler-Brownville neighborhood. She has two grandchildren.

Valarie Grimes is a former classroom educator and registered nurse, and founder of Radiant Rising, a vibrant, lifegiving Christian community in Savannah, GA. She is a candidate for Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education, District 2, in the special election on November 3, 2026.

District 2 Deserves a Voice It Actually Chose

I did not come to this race through politics. I came to it through two professions that put me in front of the problem directly. As a classroom educator, I saw what happens when a child arrives carrying more than a backpack. As a registered nurse, I learned that the best outcomes come from paying attention early, not waiting for a crisis. I now work in wellness at Gulfstream Aerospace and founded Radiant Rising to bring that same preventive approach to our community.

Valarie Grimes works in wellness at Gulfstream Aerospace. She has worked as a classroom educator and registered nurse, and founded Radiant Rising.

District 2 Deserves a Voice It Actually Chose - The Savannah Tribune

Valarie Grimes works in wellness at Gulfstream Aerospace. She has worked as a classroom educator and registered nurse and founded Radiant Rising.

This is Valerie's first time running for public office. 

2026 Georgia General Runoff

Nonpartisan

As of November 6, 2026, Valarie Grimes’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Access to Education

School Curriculum

School Facilities & Resources

That is the lens I want to bring to this board: treating student wellness, mental health, and family stability as core to how our schools function, not an afterthought. I want stronger partnerships between the district and the families, healthcare providers, and organizations already doing this work, and a board that follows through with the same steady attention families bring to their own households.

Prioritizes student wellness, mental health, and family stability as core school functions.

Wants stronger district partnerships with families, health care providers, and community organizations.

- Prioritizes student wellness, mental health, and family stability as core school functions.
- Wants stronger district partnerships with families, health care providers, and community organizations.

Student Wellbeing

Teachers

Facebook

Valarie Grimes

Candidate website

As of November 6, 2026, Valarie Grimes did not have a website or any information online.

Buket Urgen

Mary Snowden

- The Board of Education runs the public school system. The Board of Education is entirely independent from the rest of the county government.
- Board of Education members work together to make school policy, set the budget, and appoint the superintendent to run the schools day to day.
- Board of Education members are elected to four-year terms in nonpartisan elections.

Part of the board that governs your county's public school system