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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Alexandria City Public Schools has launched its search for a new superintendent, hiring a national search firm and opening a community survey Monday as the district begins the process of replacing Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, who announced in March she will retire Oct. 1, 2026.
The Alexandria City School Board has partnered with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates — known as HYA — a nationally recognized executive search firm specializing in educational leadership recruitment. The board used McPherson & Jacobson to conduct its last superintendent search in 2022-23, which drew 35 applicants and took roughly seven months from launch to appointment.
The district is aiming for a faster timeline this time. According to the ACPS superintendent search webpage, the board is targeting an appointment on or around Oct. 1, 2026 — the same day Kay-Wyatt's retirement takes effect — signaling the board's intent to avoid a leadership gap.
The position carries a salary of $305,000 annually, subject to qualifications, experience and negotiations — a $40,000 increase over the $265,000 annual salary Kay-Wyatt received when she was appointed in 2023.
Community engagement
A community survey opened Monday and will remain open through June 12. The survey link had not yet been posted to the ACPS website as of Monday morning, though the district indicated it would be available at the ACPS superintendent search webpage.
HYA will also facilitate two community engagement sessions open to the public. A virtual session is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m. via Zoom. An in-person session will be held Wednesday, June 10, at 6 p.m. at the Alexandria City High School Minnie Howard Campus Forum, 3775 W. Braddock Rd.
Virtual Community Engagement Session
Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6 p.m.
via Zoom
In-Person Community Engagement Session
Wednesday, 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
The district said additional language-specific sessions will be convened to ensure families can participate in their preferred language. Participating stakeholder focus groups will include board members, Alexandria City Council members, senior leadership, school-based leaders, central office staff, instructional staff, support staff, students, families, parent groups representing Amharic, Dari and Spanish speakers, and community partners.
Search timeline
Community engagement runs June 1-12, with focus groups and meetings alongside the survey. A leadership profile will be finalized in late June. Active recruitment and the application process will run June through August, with an application deadline of Aug. 12. Confidential finalist interviews are expected in September, with the new superintendent announced in October. The board has noted that dates and milestones may change.
Candidates must have or be immediately eligible for a Virginia Department of Education division superintendent license. Applications are being accepted through the HYA website through Aug. 12.
Context
Kay-Wyatt was the first Black female permanent superintendent of ACPS when the board appointed her in May 2023. She was under contract through June 2028 and is departing nearly two years early. The board voted unanimously 8-0 to accept her resignation at its March 26 meeting. Under a signed separation agreement, the board will pay her $37,500 in accrued sick leave on or before Nov. 1, 2026.
The board has stated a strong preference to move directly to a permanent hire without an interim appointment, though it has left that option open if needed to ensure continuity.
For additional information or to take the survey, visit the ACPS superintendent search webpage.
Alexandria City Public Schools serves more than 16,000 students across 18 schools.
