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School Board 101

Board Basics

The Alexandria City School Board is a nine-member elected body that adopts policy for the daily operation of schools and sees that school laws are properly explained, enforced, and observed. The City is divided into three voting districts, and three Board members are elected from each district. Each member serves a three-year term. Our current School Board members began their terms on July 1, 2009. At the organizational meeting at the beginning of every fiscal year (the year begins July 1), Board members select a Chairman and Vice Chairman.

Meeting Schedule and Summary

School Board meetings are normally held on the first and third Thursdays of the month in the School Board Auditorium at 2000 North Beauregard Street. Board meetings are televised in Alexandria on Channel 70 (in English) and on Channel 71 (in Spanish). Meeting agendas and summaries are maintained in all school offices, public libraries and the School Board Office. They are also posted online at www.acps.k12.va.us/board/meetings/. For more information, please contact the Clerk of the Board at 703-824-6614.

Speaking at Board Meetings

Any citizen may address the Board at any regular meeting during the designated period called "Communications and Addresses to the Board." Persons wishing to appear before the School Board are requested to contact the Clerk for placement on the agenda. A reasonable period of time, as determined by the School Board, will be allocated at each regular meeting for citizens to present matters of concern. Individuals will have three minutes and organizations will have five minutes.

Board Meeting Etiquette

The only time members of the audience may address the Board during a Board meeting is during the "Communications and Addresses to the Board" period, or at the Chairman's request. Flash photography is only permitted during special recognitions. Audience members are requested to turn off cell phones and to leave the room to carry on conversations.

School Board Policies

The School Board Policy Manual is available online and in school libraries, public libraries and the central office. The Board develops policies, and the school administration implements them.

The Average Meeting

School Board meetings vary in length, with most averaging about two hours. Occasionally, meetings are preceded or followed by a work session, which is open to the public but not televised. When discussing personnel, disciplinary or other confidential matters as determined by the Code of Virginia, the Board will move into closed session.

A Typical Board Meeting Agenda

  • Call to Order
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Moment of Silence
  • Adoption of the Meeting Agenda
  • Communications and Addresses to the Board
  • Superintendent's Report
  • Spotlight on Instruction
  • Approval of Minutes
  • Consent Calendar
  • Old Business and Action Items
  • New Business
  • Committee Reports
  • Announcements by Board Members
  • Adjournment