James Vell Rives IV
Candidate for Arlington County School Board
Background
- Occupation
- Psychiatrist
- Campaign website
- rivesforsb.com
A psychiatrist who has practiced adolescent and adult psychiatry in Northern Virginia for more than 20 years and is a clinical assistant professor at George Washington University School of Medicine. Served seven years on the APS School Health Advisory Board; an Arlington resident since 1999, endorsed by the Forward Party.
Documented positions
Public safety
Supports reinstating police school resource officers.
ReportSchool Board candidates debate APS safety and support for teachersDebate / forum transcript · ARLnow · arlnow.com
“security personnel “were not armed, not sworn, not trained as police officers are.””
Issues — Rives for Arlington School BoardCampaign website · Rives for Arlington School Board · rivesforsb.com
“We should reinstate the program.”
Education
Supports minimizing screen use in schools.
ReportIssues — Rives for Arlington School BoardCampaign website · Rives for Arlington School Board · rivesforsb.com
“We should delay introducing screens and minimize screen use in school.”
Supports revising gender policy to provide girls-only spaces.
ReportIssues — Rives for Arlington School BoardCampaign website · Rives for Arlington School Board · rivesforsb.com
“We should revise the current gender policy to provide girls exclusive spaces while providing appropriate, respectful accommodations for students who need them.”
Supports firmer student discipline backed by administrators.
ReportSchool Board candidates debate APS safety and support for teachersDebate / forum transcript · ARLnow · arlnow.com
“Teachers want to know the administrators will back them up … We have to get back to real consequences”
Supports performance-based grading and age-appropriate homework.
ReportIssues — Rives for Arlington School BoardCampaign website · Rives for Arlington School Board · rivesforsb.com
“I support equity of opportunity, getting extra help to kids who need it, and performance-based grading of work, including age-appropriate homework.”
Roads & infrastructure
Supports prioritizing upkeep of older school buildings.
ReportSchool Board candidates debate APS safety and support for teachersDebate / forum transcript · ARLnow · arlnow.com
“School buildings should last 100 years, not 30”
Issues — Rives for Arlington School BoardCampaign website · Rives for Arlington School Board · rivesforsb.com
“Maintenance and upgrading of older facilities have moved too slowly in favor of expensive new projects.”
Health & human services
Supports aggressive early intervention for student drug use.
ReportIssues — Rives for Arlington School BoardCampaign website · Rives for Arlington School Board · rivesforsb.com
“I support aggressive early intervention to change the life trajectories for students using drugs.”
All sources (5)
- Sample ballot, November 3, 2026 General and Special Elections: County of Arlington (full ballot)
Election filing · Arlington County Office of Voter Registration and Elections · vote.arlingtonva.gov
- Candidate list, November 3, 2026 General Election: Arlington County (all offices)
Election filing · Virginia Department of Elections · elections.virginia.gov
- About — Rives for Arlington School Board
Campaign website · Rives for Arlington School Board · rivesforsb.com
- School Board candidates debate APS safety and support for teachers
Debate / forum transcript · ARLnow · arlnow.com
- Issues — Rives for Arlington School Board
Campaign website · Rives for Arlington School Board · rivesforsb.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.