Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt Named Superintendent of the Year in Region Four of Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS)
Contact: Jasmine Washington-Price, jasmine.washington-price@acps.k12.va.us or 703-283-5567
ALEXANDRIA, Va.– Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt has been named the Superintendent of the Year in Region Four of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents(VASS). Dr. Kay-Wyatt is among seven other regional superintendents in Virginia to be recognized with this honor. Kay-Wyatt was recognized for her visionary leadership and dedication to educational excellence.
“It is a privilege to be selected as the Region Four Superintendent of the Year,” said Dr. Kay-Wyatt. “This acknowledgment is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire school community and I share it with all those who have joined me to be on our one team, one journey mission. I am grateful to lead such an exceptional group of educators and staff to work alongside families and community members who work everyday to ensure every student succeeds.”
Kay-Wyatt’s superintendent peers in Region Four shared that she was selected based on her accomplishments in her time as superintendent of ACPS. They highlighted how she is now in her second year as ACPS’ permanent superintendent, and Kay-Wyatt has prioritized equity, innovation and academic excellence—fostering a culture where every student can thrive. Her strategic initiatives have driven measurable improvements in student outcomes, staff development and community engagement. Her collaborative leadership style has united diverse stakeholders to address challenges and celebrate successes. A champion for inclusivity and excellence, Kay-Wyatt’s impact extends beyond Alexandria City, serving as a model for transformative educational leadership in Region Four.
“Dr. Kay-Wyatt has had an immediate impact among her superintendent peers in Region Four,” said Region Four Chair and Superintendent of Winchester Public Schools
Dr. Jason Van Heukelum. “We are proud to name her as our Regional Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Kay-Wyatt is known for her passion for student belonging along with her commitment to high standards and excellence for both students and staff. We wish her the best as she goes on to compete for Virginia State Superintendent of the Year.”
Kay-Wyatt’s peers went on to spotlight how she is an accomplished educator who has marked success throughout her tenure as ACPS’ superintendent, and her innovation in launching the Academies at Alexandria City High School (ACHS) and the Middle School Career and Technical Education (CTE) program— both of which were illuminated and celebrated by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Lisa Coons.
Additionally, they applauded how ACPS’ on-time graduation and dropout data showed substantial improvements over the prior year overall and across nearly all student groups during her tenure. And, the improvements in on-time graduation rates, the second highest rate seen in 10 years, the last highest rate in 2021 was achieved with COVID-19 provisions. Compared to last year, the 2024 outcomes improved overall by four percentage points to 87 percent and also improved for most student groups. Dropout rates decreased by four percentage points and saw the largest decreases among English Learner (EL) (-9 percentage points) and economically disadvantaged (-10 percentage points) students.
Across all schools, combined SOL pass rate results in English show that student growth and overall achievement within the 2023-24 school year led to all schools achieving the highest performance designation from the VDOE Accreditation System. Within the Math Academic Achievement indicator, 15 of 17 schools earned the highest designation. Improving significantly from past years, 16 of 17 schools met the highest VDOE designation within chronic absenteeism with 10 schools showing a five percentage point or greater improvement from the previous school year.
“The Alexandria City School Board is proud to celebrate Dr. Kay-Wyatt for being named the Region Four Superintendent of the Year,” said Alexandria City School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief. “This honor reflects her unwavering commitment and dedication to our students, staff and Alexandria community. I wish her the best as she is considered for Virginia State Superintendent of the Year by VASS”
Region Superintendents of the Year are honored and the Virginia Superintendent of the Year is announced at the VASS Spring Conference on April 28, 2025.
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) serves more than 16,300 students who hail from more than 118 countries and speak 127 languages. ACPS has 18 schools, including two middle schools, two K-8 schools, one pre-K school and the internationally recognized Alexandria City High School. ACPS is committed to putting racial equity at the heart of all decisions and ensuring that each and every student succeeds.