School commencement in Alexandria sees student accomplishments, financial matters, and changes in policy
Alexandria City Public Schools Kick off the 2025-26 School Year
The Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) board gathered for their first meeting of the 2025-26 school year, marking the beginning of another academic year.
The meeting commenced with a celebration, as the district welcomed 48 new graduates and four students who earned their General Educational Development (GED) certificates. Dr. K. Wyatt, the superintendent of ACPS, took the opportunity to recognise several summer achievements. Leslie Eyeson was announced as the winner of the Virginia School Board Association student essay contest. Zachary Baker-Heil was selected as one of 15 National Merit Scholarship winners. Dr. Tricia Jacobs received the Virginia Technology and Engineering Education Association CTE Administrator of the Year Award and the Lynn P. Barrier Engineering Leadership Award. The Office of School Nutrition Services earned a Healthy Meals Incentives Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Among the summer achievements, Dr. Wyatt also highlighted the return of three former employees to the district.
The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss legal matters related to an Office for Civil Rights case and security planning discussions.
Looking ahead, the ACPS board announced upcoming meetings, including a board development session on Aug. 28, committee meetings in early September, and the next regular board meeting on Sept. 4. The district will also hold community budget sessions titled "Funding Our Future" on August 27 at George Washington Middle School, and a traditional community budget forum on October 15.
Board member Kelly Carmichael Booz raised a concern about the proposed DASH bus pilot program, citing new concerns about student safety protections on public transportation versus school buses, particularly given recent immigration enforcement activities in the community. She requested future discussion on this matter.
Board member Tim Beatty requested an update on the implementation of the district's bell-to-bell cell phone policy, noting questions from parents and students about enforcement procedures.
Laurel Taylor, a member of the Education Association of Alexandria, raised concerns about new teacher compensation, specifically six-week pay delays and lack of health insurance until October.
Three new student representatives introduced themselves to the board, each outlining their goals for authentic representation. Salma Naqshbandi, Madesen Lynch, and Darwin Flores Salazar expressed their commitment to ensuring their fellow students are heard and represented.
The budget projection for the 2026-27 school year shows a need for an additional $19.3 million to maintain current service levels. However, the budget projection does not account for potential enrollment increases, collective bargaining negotiations, or federal funding uncertainty.
There is no information available about the teacher involved in contract negotiations with the Education Association of Alexandria for the year 2025-26.
The ACPS board also acknowledged the district's low staff vacancy rate, with Dr. Wyatt reporting that the district achieved a staff vacancy rate of less than 2%. Successful recruitment and retention efforts were credited for this achievement.
The next regular board meeting will take place on Sept. 4, where further discussions and decisions are expected to be made.
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