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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — More than a dozen community members shared their priorities for Alexandria City Public Schools' next superintendent Thursday evening during the first of two public engagement sessions hosted by the search firm leading the process.
The virtual session, which ran just over an hour, was facilitated by Bill Adams, vice president of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, known as HYA, along with senior associates Stacy Adams and Dr. Monica Brown. HYA has conducted more than 2,000 executive searches over 38 years and most recently led a superintendent search in Falls Church. The search follows the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, who will retire Oct. 1, 2026.
The session was structured around five questions: the district's greatest immediate and long-term challenges; its current strengths and what should be preserved; the three to five most desired characteristics in the next superintendent; what HYA should know about the city and district to better understand the community before recruitment begins; and whether participants could recommend candidates for the role.
HYA said at the outset that no names or recordings would be kept from the session. In keeping with those ground rules, the Alexandria Brief is not identifying participants by name.
Challenges
Trust and accountability dominated the conversation. Across nearly every speaker — including parents, teachers, ACPS staff and community organization leaders — the recurring theme was a sense that central office does not listen to or communicate clearly with families, teachers or the broader community.
Several participants described feeling ignored when raising concerns with school leadership. An ACPS employee of 10 years cited a lack of trust in district processes and said teachers were seriously considering leaving for neighboring divisions, including Fairfax and Arlington, which offer higher pay. "There is a lack of trust on the community side when it comes to what exactly are our processes surrounding allocating money in the budget," the employee said.
A parent and community member said the district too often fails to act on its own data. She cited a safety survey in which roughly 80% of respondents supported expanding security measures to elementary schools — a recommendation that was not implemented. "The superintendent is unwilling to expend political capital," she said, "and neither is the board in actually taking actions that would protect our kids."
Budget concerns were raised by nearly every participant. Multiple speakers pointed to the ongoing tension between the school board and Alexandria City Council over school funding, including the unresolved $5.6 million gap tied to the district's first-ever collective bargaining agreement with its employees union.
A PTSA representative said the district needs a superintendent who will "advocate effectively for fully funding our schools."
Strengths
Participants were equally clear about what they want preserved. The district's cultural and linguistic diversity drew repeated praise. A community member noted that ACPS serves students from backgrounds across the world, calling it "the best thing about living here."
Teachers were consistently cited as a strength — and a vulnerability. Multiple speakers described ACPS educators as talented and dedicated but said the district risks losing them without better compensation and management support. "We have wonderful teachers," one parent said. "The challenge is going to be trying to keep them."
Community partnerships — including with out-of-school programs, nonprofits and city agencies — were also highlighted, with one community organization leader noting that a coordinated system of more than 100 expanded learning programs was in development and could "change the game for ACPS."
Desired characteristics
Participants converged on several qualities they want to see in the next superintendent. Relationship-building and the ability to rebuild trust — with families, staff, the school board and city council — was the most cited characteristic. Transparency and clear communication came next, followed by strong management skills and the ability to build and retain a high-quality leadership team.
Another participant emphasized the importance of experience working with multilingual families, noting that Hispanic and Latino students make up the largest demographic group in the district.
A transportation department employee called for a superintendent who is structured and hands-on, ensures accountability across departments and holds high expectations for staff at every level.
Several participants urged HYA to be candid with prospective candidates about the complexity of the job. "The issues that she touched upon have actually been issues for a fairly long period of time," one participant said. "They're entrenched. When they take on the role, it will become their responsibility to address these problems."
Timeline and next steps
Bill Adams confirmed an updated search timeline during the session's closing. HYA plans to present a leadership profile and desired characteristics to the school board on June 23. Applications will be accepted through August 12. The board will conduct first-round interviews September 12, second-round interviews September 19, and expects to make a conditional selection the week of September 21 pending a background check and contract negotiations. A public announcement is targeted for the week of October 5, with the new superintendent expected to begin as soon as possible thereafter.
The community survey, which had received just under 250 responses as of Thursday evening, remains open through June 12 at hyasurvey.com/ycksdh7t. HYA urged participants to share the link widely, including with community members who do not have children in the district.
An in-person community engagement session is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at 6 p.m. at the Alexandria City High School Minnie Howard Campus Forum, 3775 W. Braddock Rd.
Ryan Belmore
