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🏫 ACPS & City Budget Update:

What Families Should Know

Alexandria City Council is moving into the final stretch of the FY27 budget process, with a new set of “add/delete” proposals under review ahead of the April 18 public hearing and final adoption later this month.

Big picture: The City is working within a nearly $1B budget, and any new spending must be balanced with cuts or new revenue, so decisions about schools and youth programs are part of a broader set of tradeoffs.

No direct ACPS funding (yet): Unlike last year, no add/delete proposals currently include additional funding for Alexandria City Public Schools, despite a remaining gap between the School Board’s request and the City Manager’s proposed funding.

Youth & out-of-school programming: Proposed funding for therapeutic recreation staff in the City’s Out of School Time program could help expand access for students, including those with disabilities.

Parks & athletic fields: A proposal to shift funding away from artificial turf at Chinquapin Park toward general field improvements could impact youth sports field quality and availability.

Transportation for students: Proposed improvements to DASH Bus Line 32 would increase frequency, which could help students get to after-school activities, sports, and jobs more easily.

🗣️ How to Get Involved

Public Hearing: Saturday, April 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Final Budget Vote: April 29
Submit comments or attend to share input

💡 Why This Matters for Families

Even when proposals aren’t labeled “schools,” they directly impact students:

Field funding → sports & recreational spaces
Transportation → access to activities
Out-of-school programs → aftercare & enrichment
Budget decisions → teacher pay and staffing

🗣️ “Stay the Course” on Education Changes: Virginia Department of Education Meets with ACPS Community Members

State education leaders recently wrapped up a Virginia Department of Education listening session in Alexandria, bringing together families, educators, and school leaders from across Northern Virginia. The conversation focused on what’s working in schools, and where support is still needed.

A key takeaway: many families and educators are asking the state to slow down major changes and build on what’s already working, especially in areas like literacy instruction and new academic standards.

Participants also discussed priorities like teacher retention, student support, and balancing academic expectations with student needs. State leaders indicated they plan to be more thoughtful about the pace of change moving forward while continuing to refine systems like testing and school accountability.

➡️ What this means for families: Expect more focus on stability and implementation—rather than frequent shifts—as Virginia works to strengthen outcomes for students and support educators.

📌 Acceleration Requests – Deadline Reminder

If you are considering submitting a request for student acceleration for next school year, please note that the deadline is April 15. While the Local Plan contains a discrepancy (with one table listing May 15), both the official website and request form confirm that April 15 is the correct deadline.

According to the ACPS website, acceleration requests for students not new to ACPS are due by April 15 each year for placement in the following school year. Families new to ACPS may request acceleration later in the year (through early second quarter).

Families should plan to submit completed requests to both the Advanced Academic Services (AAS) Director and their child’s school principal. If you are having trouble locating the form, it may require requesting it directly from the school—however, the form is also being shared here for convenience:

A few helpful reminders:

Acceleration can include subject-specific advancement or whole-grade acceleration, depending on student needs.
Students must already be eligible for Advanced Academic Services in the requested area and show a need for instruction beyond the current level.
Requests go through a screening process, and any approved placement would begin next school year.
Families may submit one acceleration request per school year.

A link to the full acceleration process in the Local Plan, The 10-step acceleration process starts on page 41, table 6.1. : https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1694525595/acpsk12vaus/qumcqpxdjaj1udjbulqm/Final_Local_Plan_for_the_Gifted_2023-202881423.pdf?fbclid=IwZnRzaARKNF5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEezTZoT4_n67lYOkxH8ylgJtoyjL-g6-QDFzM7cUb5L-tXkRcyMTsH63hR1Zs_aem_A5-mAQrrMW9lPWif0DnV3g

Curious about academic acceleration options through ACPS? Because forms and timelines may change, we recommend reaching out directly to your child’s school AAS Point of contact and if you would like to have your child considered for acceleration, please reach out to the acting AAS director at mashari.whitfield@acps.k12.va.us for the most up-to-date information and next steps. You may also reach out to towncrier@gwmspta.org or Bridget Westfall at 314-640-4551 or bridget.shea.westfall@gmail.com for assistance.

Timelines are here: https://www.acps.k12.va.us/programs-services/advanced-academic-services/aas-other-service-options?fbclid=IwZnRzaARKNORleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeKqPkgjzN8M4jM8zY_Z82f-q0gDVvum7-_Xzamka0zh-LuX9u4We-IcF3d0Q_aem_XsbsG4ERvkVeuKI8FWKn3w

🚔 Police in Schools Agreement: Public Hearing Ahead, April 16

The Alexandria City School Board is continuing discussions on a revised agreement governing School Resource Officers (SROs), with a public hearing scheduled as the process moves toward a final decision.

The updated draft for 2026–2028 includes several changes, most notably removing a provision that would have allowed officers access to student records without parental consent, a topic that previously raised strong community concerns.

Board members are also working through details related to student questioning, training requirements, and how certain incidents may involve law enforcement, with some expressing concerns about how the policy will be applied in practice.

➡️ What’s next: A public hearing on April 16 will give families and community members an opportunity to share input before the School Board considers adoption later this month.

🔒 School Board Closed Hearing: April 16

The Alexandria City School Board will hold a closed hearing on Wednesday, April 16 from 6:00–10:00 PM at the ACPS Central Office (1340 Braddock Place). The session will address a confidential student matter and is not open to the public, in accordance with federal student privacy laws (FERPA).

➡️ What this means for families: While the meeting appears on the public calendar for transparency, details are legally confidential to protect student information.

🗳️ April 21: No School for Students (Election Day)

Alexandria City Public Schools will close for students on Tuesday, April 21 due to Election Day, with many school buildings—including George Washington Middle School—serving as polling locations. (Source: alxnow.com)

The School Board made this change to prioritize student safety and minimize disruptions, as large numbers of voters are expected throughout the day. Staff will report for a workday, and no make-up day is required.

➡️ What this means for families: Plan ahead for out of school time and child care and take advantage of the opportunity to participate in this important local and statewide election

🏗️ George Mason Elementary Modernization Underway

Demolition has officially begun at George Mason Elementary School, marking the start of a major modernization project in Alexandria. The work is part of ACPS’s broader effort to update aging school facilities and expand capacity for students.

Most of the existing building will be replaced with a new, modern two-story school, while preserving elements of the original historic structure. The updated campus is designed to better support today’s learning needs with improved classrooms, shared spaces, and outdoor areas.

Students and staff have already relocated to a temporary “swing space” during construction, with the new school expected to open in 2027.

➡️ What this means for families: This is a long-term investment in Alexandria’s school infrastructure, bringing safer, more modern learning environments for future students while construction continues over the next two years.

🎉 ACPS Shines: Regional Teacher of the Year: Ms. Deedra Robinson from Jefferson-Houston

Big congratulations to Jefferson-Houston educator Deedra Robinson, who was recently named Virginia Region 4 Teacher of the Year! The surprise announcement happened during a school assembly. What she thought was a routine event turned into a celebration of her incredible 40-year career in education.

Ms. Robinson is a leader in the AVID (college readiness) program, helping students build strong study habits, organization skills, and confidence—especially those in the “academic middle.” Her impact goes far beyond the classroom, mentoring other teachers and supporting students across Alexandria and beyond.

This marks the second year in a row an ACPS teacher has earned this regional honor, a testament to the strength of our schools and educators.

👏 Way to go, ACPS! And thank you to educators like Ms. Robinson who make such a lasting difference for our students!

🎓 Big Wins for ACHS Seniors

Two seniors from Alexandria City High School, Zhi McMillan and Mohammad Elyas Noorzai, were surprised with prestigious Amazon Future Engineer Scholarships, each worth up to $40,000.

The scholarship supports students pursuing careers in computer science and includes not only financial aid (up to $10,000 per year) but also a paid internship with Amazon after their freshman year of college.

Both students have inspiring goals, ranging from advancing artificial intelligence to building innovative tech solutions and represent the strength and potential of ACPS graduates.

👏 Congratulations to these outstanding students!

➡️ What this means for our community: Opportunities like this highlight the impact of strong academic programs and mentorship in preparing students for high-demand careers in technology.

🏫 ACHS Leadership Update: Administrator Ashley Carter Sinclair Departs

Alexandria City Public Schools announced that Ashley Carter Sinclair, administrator of the King Street Campus at Alexandria City High School, will be leaving at the end of the current school year to pursue a new opportunity.

His departure comes during a period of ongoing leadership transitions at ACHS, as the division is also conducting searches for a permanent high school principal and a new superintendent.

ACPS plans to coordinate the hiring process for campus leadership alongside the principal search to help ensure a cohesive team moving forward.

➡️ What this means for families: Expect continued updates this spring as ACPS works to fill key leadership roles at the high school and stabilize long-term leadership across campuses.

📣 ACPS Leadership Update: Superintendent Dr. Melanie-Kay Wyatt Resigns

The Alexandria City Public Schools School Board has accepted the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, effective October 1, 2026. She will remain in her role through the start of the 2026–27 school year to support a smooth transition, including the rollout of new school attendance boundaries this fall.

Dr. Kay-Wyatt has led ACPS since 2022, overseeing major initiatives such as new school openings, boundary redistricting, the division’s 2025–2030 strategic plan, and academic recovery efforts following the pandemic.

The School Board will begin a national search for the next superintendent and plans to engage a search firm, with opportunities for community input expected as the process moves forward.

➡️ What this means for families: leadership will remain in place through the start of next school year, with more updates and opportunities for engagement to come as ACPS plans its next chapter.

📊 Budget Discussion: CBA Data & City–Schools Communication

A recent report highlights a growing tension between Alexandria City Council and ACPS over information sharing related to the school division’s first collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Some Council members said they lacked key financial details as they considered funding decisions—but ACPS officials noted that the data had been presented several weeks earlier during prior budget discussions.

The situation has raised broader questions about communication, timing, and transparency during the budget process, particularly as the City weighs how to fund new compensation agreements for teachers and staff.

➡️ What this means for families: Budget decisions around compensation and school funding depend not just on dollars—but also on how clearly information is shared and understood between City and school leaders.

🚇 Braddock Road Metro Changes Proposed: What GWMS Families Should Know

Big changes are being proposed for the Braddock Road Metro station, just steps from George Washington Middle School and the ACPS central office. WMATA is exploring a concept that would remove the current kiss-and-ride area, create a new public plaza, and reroute the bus loop to make way for potential mixed-use development and increased ridership.

While this is still in the early, conceptual phase (no developer or site plan has been selected), this location is right in the middle of our school community. Any future changes could affect how students, families, and staff access the area, especially those who walk, bike, take the bus, or rely on Metro. Families in North Old Town and Parker-Gray may also see impacts related to traffic flow, transit access, and neighborhood development over time.

WMATA emphasizes that any future development proposal will go through the City of Alexandria’s public review process, meaning there will be multiple opportunities for community input.

Upcoming opportunities to learn more and share feedback:

Open House: Monday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: Monday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m.
📍 Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street)
Community survey open through April 30: https://wmata.com/initiatives/plans/proposed-changes-at-braddock-rd-station/

This is an early-stage proposal, but given how close it is to GWMS and ACPS, it’s worth staying informed and sharing your perspective.

APRIL 2026 ADVOCACY CALENDAR (Alexandria, VA)

📍 Tuesday, April 14 — City Council Legislative Meeting
🕖 6:15-11 PM (Executive Session begins earlier)
📍 Del Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive, Community Conference Room First Floor
👉 Regular legislative meeting during peak budget season—Council continues deliberations and prepares for final decisions.
💡 How to participate: Reinforce priorities like teacher retention, student support, and sustainable ACPS funding.

📍 Saturday, April 18 — City Council Budget Public Hearing
🕤 9:30 AM- 4 pm
📍Del Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive, Community Conference Room First Floor
👉 One of the most important opportunities for public input on the FY budget, including ACPS funding levels.
💡 How to participate: Share how school funding impacts classrooms, staffing, and student outcomes.

📍 Saturday, April 18 — FY 2027 Budget: Tax Rate Public Hearing
🕤 9:30–11:30 AM
📍 Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Dr.) — Community Conference Room (1st Floor)
👉 Critical budget milestone: Council considers the proposed tax rate, which directly impacts available funding for ACPS and City services.

💡 How to participate: Share how funding decisions affect your family, schools, and the broader community.

➡️ Join via Zoom (registration required):
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1V7R6CJ0TrOTeNSg5P5FIg
• Webinar ID: 917 0792 8494
• Passcode: 468360
• Dial-in: 301-715-8592

📺 The meeting will also be webcast live and archived.

♿ Accessibility:
• Request accommodations: 703.746.4550 (TTY/TDD 838.5056)
• Translation services: gloria.sitton@alexandriava.gov (24–48 hr notice recommended)

📍 Saturday, April 18 — FY 2027 Add/Delete Public Hearing
🕤 9:30–11:30 AM
📍 Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Dr.) — Community Conference Room (1st Floor)

👉 Key budget moment: City Council reviews and considers additions or reductions (“add/delete” items) to the proposed FY 2027 budget—including potential changes to ACPS funding and City priorities.

💡 How to participate: This is your chance to weigh in on specific funding decisions—what should be added, protected, or reconsidered in the final budget.

➡️ Join via Zoom (registration required):
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1V7R6CJ0TrOTeNSg5P5FIg
• Webinar ID: 917 0792 8494
• Passcode: 468360
• Dial-in: 301-715-8592

📺 The meeting will be webcast live and archived.

♿ Accessibility & Support:
• Call 703.746.4550 (TTY/TDD 838.5056) for accommodations (48-hour notice recommended)
• Translation services: gloria.sitton@alexandriava.gov (24–48 hour notice; specify language)

📞 Questions?
Contact Spencer Smith at 703.746.3944 or spencer.smith@alexandriava.gov

➡️ What this means for families: Decisions made here can directly impact school funding, staffing, programs, and student supports for the upcoming year.

📍 Wednesday, April 23 — ACPS School Board Meeting
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 ACPS Central Office (1340 Braddock Place)
👉 Regular School Board meeting—updates on budget, implementation, and division priorities.
💡 How to participate: Speak to real impacts in schools—class sizes, staffing, programs, and supports.

📍 Tuesday, April 28 — City Council Legislative Meeting (Budget Focus)
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 City Hall — Council Chamber
👉 Council continues final budget deliberations and potential adjustments ahead of adoption.
💡 Why it matters: This is where final changes to ACPS funding may happen.

📍 Wednesday, April 29 — City Council Special Meeting: Budget Adoption
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 City Hall — Council Chamber
👉 Final vote on the City budget, including the ACPS transfer.
💡 Why it matters: This decision sets school funding for the entire upcoming year.

📍 📅 Ongoing Context: Budget Work Sessions & Hearings
👉 April is the final phase of Alexandria’s budget process, following multiple work sessions and hearings in March and early April.
👉 Additional hearings and work sessions throughout April focus on tax rates, add/delete proposals, and final adjustments before adoption.

📩 HOW TO PROVIDE INPUT

➡️ Register to speak at City Council meetings:
https://www.alexandriava.gov/Participate

➡️ City Council dockets & webcasts:
https://www.alexandriava.gov/Council

➡️ ACPS School Board meetings & public comment:
https://www.acps.k12.va.us/school-board/watch-school-board-meeting

📝 Submit Written Comments

• City Council: CouncilComment@alexandriava.gov
• School Board: boardclerk@acps.k12.va.us
• Full Board: board@acps.k12.va.us

📺 Watch Online

• City Council: https://www.alexandriava.gov/Council
• ACPS Meetings: https://www.acps.k12.va.us/school-board/watch-school-board-meetings

💡 Tips for Effective Advocacy

✔ Budget decisions are being finalized now—this is the moment to engage
✔ Share your connection to ACPS (parent, staff, community member)
✔ Focus on outcomes: staffing, student support, and program impact

🔗 Keep Track of Details

• City Budget Hub: https://www.alexandriava.gov/Budget
• ACPS Calendar: https://www.acps.k12.va.us/families/calendar

🗺️ Redistricting Update: School Changes Ahead for 2026–27

As Alexandria City Public Schools enters the final phase of its redistricting process, approximately 860 students will be reassigned to new schools next fall as part of updated attendance boundaries.

The changes are designed to balance enrollment across the division, reduce overcrowding, and align with new and renovated school facilities. Families were notified earlier this year, and some were able to request deferrals to delay the transition.

ACPS is now focused on implementation—finalizing logistics like staffing, transportation, and transition supports, including school tours and orientation events to help students adjust to their new school communities.

➡️ What this means for families: If your student is affected, now is the time to confirm school assignments and take advantage of upcoming transition resources to help make the move as smooth as possible.

GWMS PTA