Peter Balas Leaving Alexandria Schools To Take Arlington Role

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A longtime principal with Alexandria City Public Schools will leave to take a new role with Arlington Public Schools.

Peter Balas, executive principal of Alexandria City High School, announced Thursday he will take a new position as principal of Wakefield High School in Arlington. The appointment begins July 1 after the current school year ends.

"I am honored to have had the last 22 years with the most amazing students, staff, families and community," Balas wrote in a message to families. "I cannot even begin to thank you all for your support and guidance. I have learned and grown so much. I hope you have found me to be the kind of leader that made a difference in the lives of ACHS Titans."

Balas has worked for ACPS for over 20 years, including principal roles at Mount Vernon Community School and Alexandria City High School. He was named ACPS principal of the year in 2017 before moving to the high school principal role in 2017.

Overseeing a school of over 4,500 students and 400 staff on multiple campuses, he led the school during its name change from T.C. William High School, operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns of violence. He is credited with helping the school achieve its highest rates of graduation and lowest drop-out levels through work on a graduation task force. At Mount Vernon Community School, he is credited with helping it become the school district's only dual language program school.

Balas said he is working with administrators and the superintendent on a transition. He won't leave before handing diplomas to the Class of 2023 graduates at Alexandria City High School's June 3 graduation.

"To watch these students grow over time is more rewarding than I ever anticipated," Balas wrote to families. "And, seeing all of my elementary school students now at the high school has given me one of the most unique and special opportunities of my career."