A snow day yesterday forced the Alexandria School Board to make its induction ceremony virtual, something School Board Chair Michelle Rief said typifies the way the Board has to adapt to crises.
“I’m disappointed it has to be virtual, but to new members it’s a befitting introduction to the life of a School Board member,” Rief said. “We often have to roll with the punches and have a Plan B.”
Nearly half of the School Board are new members, with five returning members and four new ones.
The School Board members include:
- District A: Tim Beaty, Ryan Reyna and Michelle Rief
- District B: Kelly Carmichael Booz, Alexander Crider Scioscia and Ashley Simpson Baird
- District C: Abdulahi Abdalla, Christopher Harris and Donna Kenley
“We didn’t always get it perfect, but we’ve made real progress and there’s so much more to do,” said School Board member Kelly Carmichael Booz. “Lets work together to support our schools, celebrate our wins, and meet our challenges head on.”
A recurring sentiment among the new members was a need to rebuild faith after a difficult few years for ACPS.
“We need to build trust in the community,” said new member Ryan Reyna. “Being a school board member can be a lonely position. I’m looking forward to working with you to do great things.”
Reyna said new school ratings coming out sometime in the next couple years could be another black eye for Alexandria
“This year or next, new school ratings will tell us something we already know,” Reyna said, “we can and we must do better to make sure our students succeed.”
