Alexandria City School Board Hired New Superintendent
The district has appointed Jharrett Bryantt to lead local schools starting in February.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Administration
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The Alexandria City School Board has officially hired Jharrett Bryantt to serve as the new superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools. Bryantt will take the helm on February 1, 2027, following a transition period led by acting superintendent Grace Taylor.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a leadership shift for the district as it prepares for upcoming fiscal cycles and capital planning. Bryantt will manage a four-year tenure tasked with overseeing school operations and district priorities through 2030.
Jharrett Bryantt signed a contract for an annual salary of $310,000, which extends through June 30, 2030. His tenure follows the service of acting superintendent Grace Taylor, who has filled the role since August 2026.
The players
Jharrett Bryantt
The incoming superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools who was previously a leader in the Anchorage School District and named to the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Grace Taylor
The current acting superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools who has served in the role since August 2026.
Alexandria City School Board
The local governing body responsible for overseeing the school district and managing administrative appointments and budget approvals.
The details
The Alexandria City School Board identified Bryantt following a national search for new leadership. He previously served as the superintendent of the Anchorage School District, bringing experience from that position to his new role in Alexandria. Bryantt is scheduled to visit the city in November to begin initial meetings with families and school board members before his formal start date.
Timeline
November 5, 2026: Acting superintendent Grace Taylor presents the capital improvement budget.
February 1, 2027: Jharrett Bryantt officially begins his tenure as ACPS superintendent.
June 17, 2027: The School Board is scheduled to adopt final fiscal year 2028 budgets.
June 30, 2030: The four-year employment contract for Bryantt concludes.
The Home Front
The transition in district leadership comes as the school board moves toward the adoption of the fiscal year 2028 budget. This appointment follows recent budgetary challenges, including the implementation of 56 staff position cuts.
Families with students in the district should watch for opportunities to meet the new superintendent during his scheduled November visit. Residents can also review upcoming budget presentations to understand how new administrative leadership may influence future school district priorities.
The takeaway
Leadership changes often signal shifts in district priorities, so families should plan to engage with school board meetings during the upcoming budget season. Keep an eye on the official district calendar for the November meet-and-greet sessions with the new superintendent.
What happens next
The school board is scheduled to vote on the fiscal year 2028 combined funds budget in February 2027 and will adopt final budgets on June 17, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership developments at Alexandria Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ALXnow | Alexandria, Va. breaking news, local events and community happenings.
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