Mutual respect, growth, and an ability to be vulnerable: That’s the kind of relationship retiring Alexandria Fire Chief Corey Smedley wants with his next job, wherever that might be.
Smedley says he wants purpose, not a position, and that he’d like for the right opportunity to find him.
“I want that relationship to find me,” Smedley told ALXnow in a recent interview. “I’d love that relationship to be something that is mutually respected, where we can grow together and can be vulnerable with each other, that we support one another and will continue to grow in whatever fashion that looks like. So, I’m not necessarily looking for fire chief’s position.”
After more than three years at the helm of the department, the 51-year-old Smedley announced his retirement last week. His last day is January 12, after which Jim Schwartz, a former deputy county manager in Arlington, will act as interim Fire Chief as the city conducts a national search for Smedley’s replacement.
“I have some energy left in me and I plan on still using my talent while someone thinks my time is still usable,” Smedley said. “But at this moment in time, I’ve done what I could do in the City of Alexandria, and it’s time for me to move on.”
Smedley is the city’s first permanent Black fire chief, and led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, and negotiated the first-ever collective bargaining agreement with the fire department’s union.
Smedley implemented a departmental restructure in 2021, shifting AFD responsibilities and resources to stations around the city. Now, with emergency medical incidents taking up 75% of calls for service, Smedley’s redeployment plan will go into effect in January, shuttering two fire engines and increasing the number of smaller Emergency Medical transport units staffed by firefighters/emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Smedley says his AFD Forward plan more than makes up for City Manager Jim Parajon’s request that departments submit budget recommendations with a 1% reduction in expenditures ($650,000 for AFD).
Smedley said that his work as the deputy chief prepared him for the pandemic, since routine coverage plans for firefighters and EMTs had to change at a moment’s notice.
“The pandemic was a challenging time for us all,” he said. “When we get to a place where there’s a crisis, you will find those routine plans are going to get overwhelmed and you have to be courageous and confident with your team to try innovative things to accomplish your mission, and we were able to do that.”
A native of D.C., Smedley lives in Chesapeake Beach, Md. He worked 20 years with the Prince George’s County Fire Department before being hired by AFD in 2015 as the deputy fire chief of emergency management and homeland security. He was promoted to assistant fire chief of administration in early 2019, and was named the acting fire chief that summer after former Chief Robert Dubé retired.
“I think I came into the profession with some smarts but what I gained was wisdom,” Smedley said. “I’ve learned to not only build but maintain. I’ve learned to be confident with not being the smartest person in the world and allowing other people to shine. I’ve also learned that you know what? I’m not Jesus. I’m not going to save the world, but I am gonna do everything I can to make things better and sometimes I’m gonna take off. I’m gonna spend time with my family and be there with them.”
Smedley was recently named by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to the Maryland Fire Rescue Education Training Commission, a position he says is about continuing to perform public service.
“I want people to understand I came to Alexandria with energy vigor, a lot of compassion and passion,” he said. “I’m leaving that same way and that’s how I wanted to have my career go.”
Tonight, residents can meet the two candidates for the executive principal position at Alexandria City High School.
The candidates, whose identities aren’t yet public, will meet with community stakeholders at the Minnie Howard campus and on Zoom from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“This will be an excellent opportunity for you to meet each executive principal candidate and interact with them during our Question and Answer session,” Alexandria City Public Schools wrote to parents. “The executive principal candidate meet and greet will be recorded and posted to the Alexandria City High School (ACHS) website for three days.”
Candidate A will talk between 7:15 and 8 p.m., and Candidate B will talk between 8:15 and 9 p.m.
After the meet-and-greet, Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt will interview the duo on Friday. The School Board will make their decision to hire in a special meeting next Thursday (June 22).
ACHS Principal Beter Balas announced in May that he had gotten a new job as principal of Wakefield High School in Arlington County. Balas was executive principal for six years and was widely praised by city leaders.
With 4,173 students, ACHS is the second-largest high school in Virginia. The executive principal salary is between $142,000 to $197,000 a year.
The full details from the ACHS executive principal job listing is below.
Alexandria City Public Schools is entering a tricky budget season.
As student enrollment and expenditure increases outpace revenue, ACPS faces a $12 million deficit in the run up to the fiscal year 2024 budget, according to a budget presentation to the School Board on Thursday, September 22.
“Over the previous decade, student enrollment and expenditures have increased at a far quicker pace than the corresponding revenue has grown,” ACPS said in a staff report. “ACPS Staff analysis shows that this trend will continue into the future, requiring a combination of revenue enhancements and expenditure reductions to balance a projected budget gap.”
For FY 2024, the projected budget deficit is $12.05 million. Each year, as expenditures outpace revenues, the estimated budget gap will continue to expand. By FY 2028, the annual funding deficit projection grows to $37.83 million, according to ACPS.
Still, the school system is proposing a 2.64% step increase and 2.5% market rate adjustment for all staff. Healthcare costs are projected to increase 8% and dental care costs will increase 2%.
“We assume that we’ll get the same per-people dollar amount at both the state and city level (as approved the FY 2023 budget),” ACPS Chief Financial Officer Dominic Turner told the School Board.
There are 15,700 students at ACPS at this time, according to interim Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt. That’s about 100 students more than was forecasted in January, and some parents are concerned that elementary school class sizes are getting too big. Last spring, the school system adjusted the caps on elementary school class sizes by an increase of two seats so that kindergarten classes now have 24 students, first and second grades are capped at 26, and grades three to five have 28 students — still below maximum state standards.
Jenica Patterson, the PTA president at Patrick Henry Elementary School, told the School Board that the school is contending with 950 students — about 65 more than what was projected.
“The discrepancy in teacher-to-student ratios among ACPS elementary schools is a major barrier to learning.,” Patterson said. “Teachers are simply managing the large, crowded classrooms instead of dedicating their time to education and learning.”
Kay-Wyatt said that the community has grown over the years, and that ACPS is experiencing a teacher and bus driver shortage.
“It’s very hard right now,” Kay-Wyatt said. “The HR staff is out recruiting, they continue their recruitment efforts. I also want that to be known that we never stop recruiting, and we still have a shortage.”
Next month there will be several budget-related work sessions and meetings:
- Wednesday, October 12: Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Work Session with City Council/ACPS Joint Facilities Planning Session
- Monday, October 17: Joint City Council/School Board Sub Committee
- Tuesday, October 18: Joint CIP Work Session with City Council
Alexandria City Public Schools expects its interim superintendent to serve for the entire 2022-2023 school year, according to a new job listing for the position.
“It is anticipated that this opportunity could last for the entirety of SY22-23,” ACPS said on the job listing, which was posted on Thursday (June 30). “The Interim Superintendent will report to and work in partnership with the Alexandria City School Board to carry out the vision and strategic goals of the division to ensure the success of students, employees, and the overall school community while the search for the permanent superintendent is underway.”
ACPS asked for community input on the superintendent selection earlier this week, with the goal of filling the job by July 28.
The interim superintendent’s contract would last “Up to six months or until a permanent superintendent is in place,” ACPS said.
Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr.’s resignation goes into effect at the end of August, and the interim superintendent will be chosen by July 28.
Hutchings was hired in 2017, following a one-year stint by former interim Superintendent Lois Berlin, the former superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools.
ACPS posted than 70 positions to its career site last month, including principal jobs at George Washington Middle School and  Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, media relations specialists, school security officers, teachers, counselors and bus drivers.
Over 70 jobs were added to the #ACPS career site this month! Help us fill some vacancies and apply now at https://t.co/UqMq9bXals #alexandria #jobs #hiring #education
— Alexandria City Public Schools (@ACPSk12) June 30, 2022
The full interim superintendent job description below the jump.
Wegmans Food Markets will officially open in Carlyle on May 11, and the grocery store is still hiring hundreds of employees.
Recruiting started in September for the new 81,300 square-foot space at 150 Stovall Street. The store is part of the massive mixed-use Carlyle Crossing development, and will employ upward of 450 employees.
“Hiring and training are well underway, and we’re looking for more enthusiastic candidates to round out our team before opening day,” said store manager Mike Anthony. “We’re thrilled to begin the countdown to May 11 when we can welcome the Alexandria community through our doors.”
Alexandria teen shot to death in D.C. — “According to a news release from D.C. police, officers responded to reports of a shooting in the unit block of Chesapeake Street in Southeast D.C. around 8:09 p.m., where they located Francis suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in a parked car.” [Alex Times]
Alexandria Schools start ‘Test to Stay’ program — “The new program will allow some students to return to school following five days of quarantine under a variety of conditions.” [Alexandria Living]
8 new and must-do black history experiences in Alexandria — “From a self-taught mathematician who mapped out the nation’s capital to abolitionist sisters who partnered with Frederick Douglass to the first Black player in the NBA, African American changemakers have shaped the history of Alexandria, VA and the United States.” [Visit Alexandria]
BoomChicky, ALX Pizza join Bee Street Eats — “The Beeliner Diner is open for take-out and delivery with a limited menu — but while eager diners await a full opening, there are more treats to try.” [Alexandria Living]
New job: Government relations manager — “The Vision Council (TVC) seeks an individual to lead the association’s advocacy to state and federal policymakers on issues importance to the optical industry and our members.” [Indeed]
Today’s weather: “Occasional light rain. High 64F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%… Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers later at night. Low 62F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.” [Weather.com]
The City of Alexandria is launching a new program to connect businesses with locals looking for work experience.
Alexandria’s Workforce Development Center (WDC) is hosting a “Work-based learning” program that will connect pre-screened candidates looking for job experience with various businesses around Alexandria. The program is scheduled to start on Monday, Jan. 3.
“Companies can save time and money by investing in local talent and identifying and recruiting future employees,” the WDC said in a press release. “Companies benefit from increased brand awareness and their status as locally preferred employers thanks to the relationships they develop with local talent and the Alexandria community. Our Workforce Development staff assist by prescreening qualified candidates, case management, and matching employers with local talent who are interested and have related technical and soft skills, and serving as the primary point of contact at our Workforce Development Center.”
Work-based learning programs are typically apprenticeships or internships, and the WDC said it’s a way of applying academic and technical skills to increase employability.
“It also serves as an opportunity for employers to be able to hire talent after the WBL experience,” the WDC said. “By matching talent with workplace mentors and positive employment through WBL, participants receive a positive and rich work experience.”
Businesses can apply to the program online, and job-seekers can apply to the WDC here.
A veritable who’s who in Alexandria will interview the final candidates looking to succeed retiring City Manager Mark Jinks.
On Tuesday night, City Council approved the formation of three advisory committees that will interview the final candidates selected after a five-month-long national search.
“We appreciate all the folks from both staff and and from the community who have been willing to step up and help us advise us through this process,” Mayor Justin Wilson said.
The city manager is the highest-ranked public employee in Alexandria, and makes more than $250,000 a year.
Council unanimously approved the formation of a stakeholder (citizen) committee, with two representatives chosen by each Council member, and two employee committees, the latter two made up of rank and file city staff and leadership.
Councilman Canek Aguirre said that there is no Latino representation in the committees.
“Our city is 18% Latino, and yet with the two employee committees, there’s virtually no Latino representation,” Aguirre said. “I know that we have Latino staff here in the city. So, I just want to bring that to the attention of my colleagues, and I know (there is) some work that we have to do in that area.”
The interview process for candidates will conclude this month and a new city manager will soon after be announced, according to the city. City Council contracted with talent acquisition firm POLIHIRE to find candidates after Jinks announced his intent to retire in June, and the new manager is expected to begin work in December/January.
Members of the Ad Hoc Committees and the Council member who chose them are below.
Stakeholders Committee
- Agnes Artemel – (Councilmember Pepper)
- Jennifer Atkins – (Councilmember Chapman)
- Kevin Harris – (Vice Mayor Bennett-Parker)
- Matt Harris – (Councilmember Seifeldein)
- Nishita Henry – (Councilmember Jackson)
- Matt Keough – (Councilmember Jackson)
- Merrick Malone – (Councilmember Chapman)
- Nicole McGrew – (Vice Mayor Bennett-Parker)
- Michelle Millben – (Mayor Wilson)
- Ericka Miller – (Mayor Wilson)
- Mindy Lyle – (Councilmember Pepper)
- Ingris Moran – (Councilmember Aguirre)
- Honorable Joe Sestak – (Councilmember Seifeldein)
- Antonio Tamariz – (Councilmember Aguirre)
Employee Committee
- Rick Aslanian, Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES)
- Carrie Beach, Planning & Zoning Department (P&Z)
- Shawn Brown, Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA)
- Allyson Coleman, Department of Human and Community Services (DCHS)
- Kadira Coley, Department of Finance/Retirement
- Audrey Davis, Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA)
- Capt. Patrick Evans, Alexandria Fire Department (AFD)
- Barbara Farrington, Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA)
- Kevin Greenlief, Department of Finance/Revenue
- Brian Hricik, Alexandria Fire Department (AFD)
- Travis MacRae, City Attorney’s Office
- David Miller, Office of Human Rights
- Sgt. Charlette Mitchell, Alexandria Police Department (APD)
- Tarrence Moorer, Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES)
- Dr. Grace Page, Department of Human Resources/Wellness (DHR)
- Marvin Paz, Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA)
- Rebecca Pica, Department of Information Technology Services (ITS)
- Emily Poly, Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
- Keia Waters, City Clerk’s Office
- Dana Wedeles, City Manager’s Office (CMO)
- Arthur Wicks, Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
- Liz Williams, Office of Historic Alexandria/Gadsby’s Tavern (OHA)
- Matt Wise, Department of General Services (DGS)
Leadership Committee
- Joanna Anderson, City Attorney
- Rose Dawson, Director, Libraries
- Pamela Dudoff, Organizational Effectiveness Consultant, Office of Organizational Excellence (OOE)
- Kate Garvey, Director, DCHS
- Renee Gordon, Director, Department of Emergency and Customer Communications
- Dr. Alicia Hart, ACPS
- Don Hayes, Acting Chief, Alexandria Police Department
- Jen Jenkins, Acting Director/CHRO, Department of Human Resources (DHR)
- Yon Lambert, Director, T&ES
- Dana Lawhorne, Sheriff
- David Lord, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney
- Helen McIlvaine, Director, Office of Housing
- Karl Moritz, Director, Planning and Zoning
- Greg Parks, Clerk of the Court
- Vanetta Pledger, Director/CIO, Department of Information Technology Services
- Gloria Sitton, City Clerk
- Corey Smedley, Chief, Alexandria Fire Department
- Jim Spengler, Director, RPCA and OOE
- Terry Suehr, Director, Department of Project Implementation (DPI)
Alexandria political cartoonist shifts to radio — “Following a 30-year political cartooning career, Steve Artley has transitioned his satirical prowess to another form: radio.” [Artley Cartoons]
National Industries for the Blind awarded $8.9 million contract — “National Industries for the Blind, Alexandria, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $8,898,968 modification exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods for moisture wicking t-shirts.” [Defense Daily]
Alexandria Times reviews local cappuccinos — “That’s why, for this edition of the Alexandria Times’ Port City Flavor section, I thought I would embark on a caffeine-infused adventure to compare cappuccinos at three of Alexandria’s most beloved coffee shops. I chose to stick to cappuccinos because I have a soft spot for them and honestly, who doesn’t enjoy a good cappuccino?” [Alexandria Times]
National Society of Professional Engineers looking for advocacy manager — “Initiate and lead NSPE Advocacy programs, overseeing all federal, state, and PAC activities and supervise Policy Associate with final approval from Senior Director.” [Roll Call]
River Farm gets taken off the market — “Local residents cheered over email and text messages Wednesday after learning that the American Horticultural Society’s board — or what remained of it — decided not to sell its 27-acre property overlooking the Potomac River.” [Alexandria Living]
Northern Virginia AFL-CIO presents award to Rep. Don Beyer — “When the bus drivers in Alexandria – the DASH workers (who had been trying to unionize over decades, actually), Alexandria City hired a union buster and Congressman Beyer stepped in and was very forceful with his language in making the city aware that the DASH workers had a right to organize.” [Zebra]
Let’s Meat On The Avenue is restocked again after Saturday outage — “It wasn’t just restaurants impacted by Saturday’s #ArtOnTheAvenue outage. After having to toss much of their inventory, @LetsmeatDelRay is restocked and open! Picked up some beautiful pork chops for dinner. What’s your #artontheavenueafterparty stop today?” [Twitter]
Free food pop-up distribution points announced — “ALIVE! provides bags of food for specific neighborhoods or apartments, in collaboration with community partners, in the parking lot at each pop-up emergency food distribution location.” [City of Alexandria]
Today’s weather — “Mostly cloudy skies. High 77F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph… A few clouds. Low 63F. Winds light and variable.” [Weather.com]
New job: Lot attendant/Porter — “We have full and part time positions available.” [Indeed]
