The Alexandria City School Board will announce the city school system’s new superintendent at its meeting Thursday night, (Oct. 8).
School Board Chair Christopher Harris announced in an email to the Alexandria City Public Schools community that contract negotiations with the new superintendent “concluded earlier than anticipated.”
“As a result, the announcement of the next superintendent of ACPS is scheduled for the School Board meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2026,” Harris wrote. “The School Board expects the candidate to appear for the meeting virtually.”
The School Board originally planned to announce the superintendent at its Oct. 22 meeting.
The School Board appointed Grace Taylor, the school system’s chief of staff since 2023, as acting superintendent in August after former Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt took an unexpected leave of absence and moved up her resignation date. Taylor indicated to the Alexandria Times she was not seeking the permanent position.
“We appreciate the patience and engagement of our students, staff, families and community throughout this important process,” Harris wrote. “The School Board looks forward to introducing the next leader of ACPS and beginning this next chapter for our school division.”
No other details were released.
ACPS contracted with executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to find permanent superintendent candidates. The application deadline was Aug. 12, and the board conducted interviews in September.
The School Board is also set to receive an update on walk zones and discuss priorities for the next budget cycle at the 6 p.m. meeting Thursday.
