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Alexandria City Public Schools has launched a nationwide search for a new principal to lead Alexandria City High School, officials announced Monday, ending months of uncertainty at one of the largest high schools in Virginia.
ACHS enrolls more than 4,500 students in grades 9-12 across four campuses and has centered its school improvement efforts on increasing student engagement to drive gains in academics, attendance, conduct and school involvement.
The job description was posted on March 16, and a stakeholder survey opens on Wednesday, March 18, giving students, staff, families, and community members a chance to weigh in on the qualities they want to see in the school's next leader.
The search comes after ACHS has operated without a permanent principal since July 2025, when former Executive Principal Alexander Duncan III departed to become principal of Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington. Duncan, who had served in the role since July 2023, was himself a replacement for former Executive Principal Peter Balas, who also left for an Arlington school. Lance Harrell, previously the lead administrator of the Minnie Howard Campus, has served as acting executive principal in the interim.
Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt announced the search in a letter to the school community on Monday, emphasizing an inclusive process that will incorporate public feedback at multiple stages.
"Our goal is to conduct a thorough and inclusive nationwide search to identify a strong instructional leader who will continue to advance the success of ACHS," Kay-Wyatt wrote.
The new principal will report to the executive director of school leadership within the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. The position is a full-time, 12-month role with a salary ranging from $120,672 to $180,518.
The district is seeking candidates with a master's degree in educational leadership or a related field, a valid Virginia Department of Education license with an endorsement in administration and supervision, and a minimum of five years of experience as a principal or lead administrator. Experience leading a school of 2,500 or more students is preferred.
Along with the search, ACPS announced a restructuring of its high school leadership titles. The previous executive principal role, which carried additional central office responsibilities, has been retitled to principal, with the new position focused exclusively on the four campuses. Campus-level administrators will also be retitled as campus principals. Ashley Carter Sinclair will serve as King Street campus principal, Harrell at Minnie Howard, and Fredericka Smith overseeing the Satellite and Chance for Change campuses.
A leadership profile will be posted publicly on March 27. First and second round interviews are expected in April, followed by virtual community meet-and-greet sessions and a superintendent interview in May. The School Board is scheduled to grant final approval at its May 28 meeting, with the selected candidate expected to begin on July 1.
ACHS was established in 1965 through the consolidation of three Alexandria high schools during the desegregation era and was formerly known as T.C. Williams High School, whose legacy inspired the 2000 film "Remember the Titans." The School Board unanimously renamed the school in 2021. Today it operates under the Academies at Alexandria City model, offering pathways in STEM, education, liberal arts, business, the arts and general studies, along with dual enrollment and career certification opportunities.
Community members with questions may submit them to ask@acps.k12.va.us. Updates, including the leadership profile and search timeline, will be posted to the ACHS website.
