Community Engagement Begins for ACPS Superintendent Search on June 1, 2026

The Alexandria City School Board has officially launched the search process for the next superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) following Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt’s announcement that she will retire effective October 1, 2026.

As part of the process, the School Board has partnered with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), a national executive search firm specializing in educational leadership recruitment, to assist with the superintendent search and community engagement process.

Community engagement will play an important role in helping shape the leadership profile and desired characteristics of the next superintendent. Beginning June 1, 2026, students, staff, families and community members are encouraged to participate in a superintendent search survey to share feedback on the qualities, priorities and leadership attributes they believe are most important for the future leader of ACPS.

In addition to the survey, HYA will host a series of focus groups and engagement sessions over the coming weeks with a variety of stakeholder groups. These conversations will provide opportunities for participants to discuss the educational priorities, opportunities and challenges facing the school division, as well as the leadership qualities they would like to see in the next superintendent. Dedicated sessions for elementary teachers, secondary teachers, support staff, principals, assistant principals and central office staff are scheduled and will be shared through official employee communication channels.

Several sessions will also be open to all community members, including:

Virtual Community Engagement Session 

Thu., June 4, 2026, at 6 p.m.
via Zoom

In-Person Community Engagement Session

Wed., June 10, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Alexandria City High School – Minnie Howard Campus Forum (First Floor)
3775 W. Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22302
Register

Interpretation in Amharic, Arabic, Dari and Spanish will be provided at each session. Additional language-specific groups will be convened to ensure families and community members are able to share their perspectives in their preferred language

The School Board is committed to conducting a transparent, inclusive and community-centered search process. Input gathered through the survey and focus groups will help inform the recruitment and selection process as the School Board works to identify a leader who will build upon the many successes of ACPS and continue moving the school division forward.

The School Board’s goal is to have a new superintendent in place this fall. While an interim appointment may be considered if needed to ensure continuity, the School Board’s strong preference is to move directly to permanent leadership.

Community members are encouraged to regularly visit the ACPS Superintendent Search webpage for updates, timelines, engagement opportunities and additional information throughout the process.