ACPS Alum Chosen As New Superintendent

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Alexandria City School Board has selected Gregory Hutchings, Jr. as the next superintendent, and he's someone that's quite familiar with the school system. Hutchings grew up attending Alexandria City Public Schools before pursuing his career in education. He will become superintendent in July 2018.

The selection comes after a five-month search for the school system's next leader. The school board began the search process after former Superintendent Alvin Crawley resigned in May to pursue an opportunity at George Mason University.

"I am honored to return to my hometown and to advocate for and encourage the next generation of leaders," Hutchings said in a statement. "ACPS is a special place for me because it's where my education and lifelong passion for it began."

Hutchings attended a number of elementary schools including, Patrick Henry and William Ramsay, Mount Vernon Community School and James K. Polk Elementary School.. He went on to attend Francis C. Hammond Middle School and T.C. Williams High School. During high school, he was the senior class vice president and was a member of the track and field team and the Future Business Leaders of America club before graduating in 1995.

He began his teaching career at Prince William County Public Schools before moving up to the role of assistant principals in Chesterfield, Va. and Nashville. He became a middle school principal in Nashville and was named a "Tennessee Middle School Principal of the Year" for improving student achievement and becoming the number one middle school in the Nashville area. Hutchings has also worked at ACPS before as a director of pre-K-12 initiatives and director of middle school programs. Since 2013, he has been superintendent of Shaker Heights Schools in Cleveland.

Hutchings received a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Old Dominion University, a master’s in educational leadership from George Mason University and a doctorate in educational policy, planning and leadership from the College of William and Mary.

The new superintendent will be making visits to Alexandria to transition into the role. Lois Berlin will continue serving as interim superintendent through June 2018.

“We are really pleased to welcome a superintendent who has already been a part of our community, both as a student and as an educator. His demonstrated commitment to closing achievement gaps will be invaluable in working to meet the needs of our diverse student population,” said School Board Vice Chair Cindy Anderson.

Image via ACPS