Photo courtesy of ACPS
Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt
The Alexandria City School Board announced this evening that it has accepted the resignation of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, effective Oct. 1, 2026.
The announcement was made following a School Board vote on March 26, 2026. Dr. Kay-Wyatt will remain in her role through the beginning of the 2026–27 school year to support continuity and a smooth leadership transition, including the implementation of new school attendance boundaries this fall.
“Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt has led Alexandria City Public Schools with heart, strength, and an unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and families,” said School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief. “During her time as superintendent, she has helped guide our school division through periods of both progress and complexity, always centering the needs of students and working to strengthen our schools. We are deeply grateful for her service and wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Dr. Kay-Wyatt has served as superintendent since 2022 and has overseen several major initiatives and milestones across the school division.
During her tenure, ACPS:
Opened three new facilities: Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, the Alexandria City High School Minnie Howard Campus, and the temporary George Mason Elementary School campus on Beauregard Street;
Completed a complex school boundary redistricting process;
Launched the 2025–30 Strategic Plan to guide the future direction of ACPS;
Advanced the implementation of career-focused academies at Alexandria City High School;
Supported academic recovery efforts following the pandemic;
Enhanced school safety and security measures across the school division; and
Initiated the school division’s collective bargaining process.
Throughout her leadership, Dr. Kay-Wyatt has also been known for her visible presence in schools and her strong connection to students, staff, and the community.
“It has been a privilege to serve the students, staff, families, and community of Alexandria,” said Dr. Kay-Wyatt. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I had to lead this school division and to work alongside so many dedicated educators, leaders, and supporters of public education. ACPS is a special community, and I will always be proud of what we have accomplished together.”
The School Board will immediately begin the process of selecting the next permanent superintendent. According to School Board leadership, the school division plans to engage an experienced search firm to lead a professional, efficient, and community-informed search process. The School Board’s goal is to identify and appoint a new superintendent as quickly as possible, while considering an interim appointment only if necessary to ensure continuity.
The School Board will share additional information with students, staff, families, and the community as the process moves forward.
