The superintendent’s leadership reorganization, the fiscal year 2021 combined funds budget — as well as the reelection of the Alexandria School Board Chair and Vice Chair — are just a few of the items on the docket for Thursday, Jan. 9.
The ACPS budget process began in September and will conclude in May in coordination with the passage of the City budget. Additionally, the 2021-2030 Capital Improvement Budget was approved in November, and the Combined Funds budget priorities include:
- Increasing engagement to Hispanic communities to improve graduation and chronic absenteeism
- Outreach to Underserved Communities to Increase Engagement
- Improve staff retention
- Cultural competency training for all ACPS staff
- Improving customer relationship services and management
- The implementation of a facilities audit
Board Chair Cindy Anderson and Vice Chair Veronica Nolan are uncontested for one-year appointments.
Superintendent Dr. Gregory Hutchings will unveil a new organizational structure for ACPS staff. As part of the new structure, Hutchings has proposed a chief of staff role to manage ACPS departments.
The board will also receive an update on the T.C. Williams High School Project. The board voted 6-3 in the fall to keep Alexandria with one public high school for the foreseeable future. As part of the plan, the Minnie Howard (3801 W. Braddock Road) site, which is a satellite school a few blocks west of T.C., will be expanded.
ICYMI:Â Here Are the Top Alexandria Stories of 2019
SEE:Â Economic Status Plays Critical Role in Success in Alexandria Schools
Recent Stories

If you had a chance to enhance a child’s future with a time commitment of less than 2 hours a week, how would you respond? You have that opportunity right now to join over 200 Alexandrians as a reading tutor volunteer with the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC).
ATC tutors work with one child in kindergarten, first, or second grade in Alexandria public schools who need extra help with reading. Tutors meet with their Book Buddy 1-2 times each week for 30 minutes October-May at school, during school hours. Many struggling readers only receive one-on-one instruction through this program, and it makes all the difference. Last year, ATC served 195 children, of whom 82% ended the year reading on grade level and 96% made substantial reading gains. But the need is great, and we are still seeing learning lags from the pandemic.
This year, ATC plans to significantly increase the size of the program to reach over 250 students and to serve every elementary school in Alexandria. This is very exciting news, but we will only succeed if we can recruit more tutors. ATC trains you, matches you with a child, and provides ongoing lesson materials and support.

If you have been thinking about buying your first home or haven’t owned one in the last three years, THIS IS FOR YOU!
In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
2023 Alexandria Fall Festival
Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.