Past Superintendents

Recognizing the contributions of our former superintendents

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) recognizes the hard work of our former superintendents who started the work we are seeing come to fruition and deliver results today. It is usual for the work of a superintendent to show up in the outcomes produced by their successor. We thank each of our former superintendents for their service and contributions to making ACPS what it is today.

Superintendent Dr. Gregory Hutchings (2018-2022)

Dr. Hutchings, an Alexandria City Public Schools alumnus, said he realized his “dream job” in July of 2018 as he took on the role of superintendent and the privilege to advocate for an equitable education for all ACPS students. He previously served as superintendent of Shaker Heights Schools in Ohio and became one of only eight superintendents in North America to lead a district offering the International Baccalaureate Programme for students at all grade levels, including pre-K. At ACPS, he moved forward the hallmark Equity for All 2025 Strategic Plan, approved by the School Board in 2020, with the core values of being a welcoming, empowering, equity-focused, innovative and results-driven school division. 

Interim Superintendent Dr. Lois Berlin (2017-2018)

Dr. Berlin was appointed as interim superintendent for ACPS while the division conducted a nationwide search for a permanent superintendent. Berlin served as superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools from 2004 to 2011 and was associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction for ACPS prior to that.

Superintendent Dr. Alvin Crawley (2013-2017)

Dr. Crawley is credited with beginning equity work at ACPS. Crawley realized that students need social and emotional support outside of the classroom to see success inside the classroom. Following his term as ACPS superintendent, he joined George Mason University’s Education Leadership Program faculty.

Superintendent Dr. Morton Sherman (2008-2013)

Dr. Sherman was brought in to make changes and tackle some of the division’s long-term issues. Sherman serves as Associate Executive Director for Leadership and Awards at AASA, The School Superintendents Association, where he is responsible for programs that support aspiring and sitting superintendents.

Superintendent Rebecca Perry (2001-2008)

While serving as superintendent, Perry oversaw an increase in SAT scores; a jump in the number of fully state-accredited schools from two to 14; an increase in the number of schools meeting state requirements for Adequate Yearly Progress; improvements in the minority achievement gap; and the turnaround of Matthew Maury Elementary School.

Superintendent Dr. Herb Berg (1995-2001)

“Achievement gaps are not unique to ACPS. They’re a ‘knotty problem’ nationwide, which educators have been working to address for decades. It is rooted in, essentially, the whole issue of poverty, which negatively impacts learning and language acquisition at an early age, causing children to start behind the curve. The focus needs to be on three-year-olds and up so that we do everything you can in those early, early years,” said Dr. Berg in 2019.