Letter from Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr., Superintendent of Schools

Letter from Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) was guided by resilience - that “never give up attitude” - in facing the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we look back at the 2020-2021 academic year, the words of poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou come to mind: “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” It is this resilience she alludes to that has helped ACPS to recover, retain and reignite.

I am proud of our school division for maintaining our vision of equity for all while pivoting to address the effects of a global pandemic. As we turned to virtual learning, ACPS remained true to its commitment to addressing racial inequities across the school division. Our Virtual PLUS+ program provided students with the technology needed for virtual learning, addressed social, emotional and academic learning, and offered the supports that families needed. If there ever was a year that ACPS staff went the extra mile to serve our students, it was 2020-21.

We remained true to our 2025 Strategic Plan that envisions equity for all. The school division moved forward with the Identity Project to replace the names of two schools that were linked to Alexandria’s racist past with names that are more representative of our community as a whole. We also initiated the ACPS Equity Dashboard and launched the first annual Equity for All Climate Survey to gather input from our families, students and staff. We look forward to future updates with these vital tools.

Despite the many challenges, ACPS achieved in 2021 the highest on-time graduation rate and lowest student dropout rate since Virginia first reported such data in 2008. The largest gains were realized among Hispanic, English learner and economically disadvantaged students.

Working together, we have become even stronger. Moving forward, we will continue to enrich our students academically and prepare them for our ever-changing world.

Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.

Superintendent of Schools