This week Patch readers had questions about status of the Cora Kelly playground, plans for additional elementary schools, and the budget.

I am pleased to have the opportunity weekly to respond to the thoughtful questions submitted to me from the community through the Patch.  The following questions were submitted to the Patch by teachers or parents of children attending our schools.  Please join in the dialogue. Here are this week’s questions and my responses. (more…)

This week’s questions from Patch readers address the No Child Left Behind waiver, Jefferson-Houston, the CIP budget and the pressing issue of over-crowded schools.  

I am pleased to have the opportunity weekly to respond to the thoughtful questions submitted to me from the community through the Patch.  The following questions were submitted to the Patch by teachers or parents of children attending our schools.  Please join in the dialogue. Here are this week’s questions and my responses. (more…)

This week, I had the opportunity to discuss issues related to summer school, school outreach to families and the health of the school system with the OldtownAlexandriaPatch reporter Sharon McLoone. The following questions were submitted to Patch by parents of children in Alexandria City Public Schools. I welcome opportunities to engage parents and our community in the education of our children. I wanted to share this week’s discussion with the Patch with you and invite you to submit questions for discussion. (more…)

1. ACPS and the City of Alexandria use the same auditor for its operating and overall budgets. ACPS budgets have received national awards each of the past three years as the auditors have commended our financial reports and processes. The recent CIP procedural review was part of our additional ongoing reviews of each department. (more…)

Dear Colleagues and Neighbors,

When I accepted the position as the Superintendent of the Alexandria City Public Schools in 2008, the School Board and I made a commitment to review all programs and to take action if needed. When the review process began two things were evident immediately:

* This school division is, with rare exception, staffed by caring, dedicated, and professional individuals who want the very best for each and every student

* The systems of this school division need study and updating. (more…)