Outgoing Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt’s time at Alexandria City Public Schools has come to an end.
During a special meeting Wednesday (Aug. 12), the Alexandria City School Board appointed ACPS Chief of Staff Grace Taylor as acting superintendent. According to a statement from ACPS, the School Board and Kay-Wyatt agreed to change her resignation date from Oct. 1 to Aug. 12.
Taylor has served in the chief of staff role since Dec. 18, 2023, leading strategic management and operation of the superintendent’s office. She has also served as a designee in the superintendent’s absence, including when Kay-Wyatt went on leave near the end of June, and stepped in to fill the chief operating officer vacancy in the interim.
“Returning to lead the school division that helped shape who I am is truly a full-circle moment,” said Taylor. “As a proud ACPS graduate, educator and former principal, it is an incredible honor to serve our students, staff, families and community during this important time of transition. As we prepare to welcome students back for a new school year, my focus is on ensuring a strong, stable start while continuing the important work already underway across our schools.”
According to ACPS, the acting superintendent will provide stability as the school year begins on Aug. 24 — before a permanent superintendent is chosen.
“Transitions in leadership are important moments for any school division, and the School Board is committed to ensuring ACPS continues moving forward with stability and purpose,” said School Board Chair Christopher Harris in a release. “Dr. Grace Taylor is a trusted leader who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our students, staff, families and community. We have every confidence in her ability to guide our school division through the start of the new school year while maintaining the momentum of our important work.”
On Kay-Wyatt’s departure, Harris added, “The School Board is grateful to Dr. Kay-Wyatt for her time, leadership and service to ACPS, and we thank her for her commitment to our students, staff, families and community. We wish her well on her retirement after 30 years of service in public education.”
ACPS is using executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to seek permanent superintendent candidates. Aug. 12 was the deadline for superintendent candidates to apply for the open position. The School Board is expected to interview candidates in September and could announce a new superintendent by October.
Image 1 via ACPS/Facebook
