Kay-Wyatt: 'The time has come to turn that same devotion toward my family'

Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt spoke directly to Alexandria City Public Schools families and staff Friday morning, sending a personal message that offered the first glimpse into why she chose to step down after three years leading the district.

"After deep reflection and heartfelt conversations with my family, I am writing to share that I will be retiring," Kay-Wyatt wrote in a ParentSquare message sent at 8:11 a.m. Friday. "The time has come to turn that same devotion toward my family, to honor the relationships that have anchored and sustained me, and to step into the next chapter with the same intentionality that has always guided this work."

The message came hours after the Alexandria City School Board voted Thursday evening to accept Kay-Wyatt's resignation, effective Oct. 1, 2026. The board immediately announced a search for a permanent replacement, with details expected in April.

ACPS School Board accepts superintendent’s resignation, retirement set for Oct. 1

Permanent replacement search to begin immediately; details on process expected in April

THE ALEXANDRIA BRIEFRyan Belmore

Kay-Wyatt, who was permanently appointed in May 2023 after serving in an interim capacity, used the letter to reflect on the division's accomplishments during her tenure — including several not mentioned in Thursday's official announcement. She cited the largest graduating class in Alexandria City High School history, a reduction in chronic absenteeism, and the launch of the Family and Community Engagement Center among the milestones she was most proud of.

"To every staff member across our schools: you are the soul of this school division," she wrote. "Your daily dedication, professionalism, and genuine love for our students have made all of the difference."

She closed with a charge to the community she is leaving behind.

"'One Team, One Journey' is the charge I leave with this community," Kay-Wyatt wrote. "The relationships built between staff, families, and this city are the infrastructure of everything good in this school division. And above all, continue to do the 'heart work' that defines Alexandria City Public Schools."

Kay-Wyatt will remain in her role through the start of the 2026-27 school year to ensure continuity, including the implementation of new school attendance boundaries this fall.

Alexandria City Public Schools serves more than 15,900 students across 18 schools.

Full Statement

"A Message of Gratitude from Dr. Kay-Wyatt 

Dear Alexandria City Public Schools Students, Staff and Families,

After deep reflection and heartfelt conversations with my family, I am writing to share that I will be retiring and leaving the superintendency of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) effective October 1, 2026.

This decision did not come easily. Leading this school division has been among the most profound honors of my professional life, one I have given myself to fully, and without reservation, for years. But the time has come to turn that same devotion toward my family, to honor the relationships that have anchored and sustained me, and to step into the next chapter with the same intentionality that has always guided this work.

To every staff member across our schools: you are the soul of this school division. Your daily dedication, professionalism, and genuine love for our students have made all of the difference. I am profoundly grateful for your service.

To our students, families, and the community leaders of this great city: our schools are what they are because of you. Your unwavering dedication has affirmed, time and again, that every student is worthy of an exceptional education rooted in opportunity and care. Thank you for allowing us to support and shape the future of your students. They are this city's greatest treasure, and every decision made in service of that truth was worth it.

We have much to be proud of over the past few years. Together, we have opened world-class learning environments, including Douglas MacArthur Elementary School and the Minnie Howard Campus, graduated the largest number of students at Alexandria City High School (ACHS), expanded career-connected learning with the Academies at Alexandria City High School, strengthened school safety and student supports, advanced collective bargaining, reduced chronic absenteeism, and launched our new strategic plan to guide the future of ACPS. 

We have also deepened our commitment to students and families through the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center and other efforts that have strengthened how we connect with, support, and serve our community. These are meaningful milestones that reflect the collective work, heart, and dedication of this entire school division.

"One Team, One Journey" is the charge I leave with this community. The relationships built between staff, families, and this city are the infrastructure of everything good in this school division. And above all, continue to do the "heart work" that defines Alexandria City Public Schools.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Superintendent. I wish the entire ACPS community, every student, family, staff member and partner, the very best as this important work continues to progress forward.

With deepest gratitude and enduring appreciation,

Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt

Superintendent

Alexandria City Public Schools"