Alexandria School Board Member Willie Bailey Resigns, Special Election Expected

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Willie Bailey, one of the members of the nine-person Alexandria City School Board, will resign at the end of November.

The School Board said in a statement that it accepted Bailey's resignation, effective Nov. 20, 2023. The School Board will petition Alexandria Circuit Court to hold a special election, expected in early 2024. A reason for the resignation was not provided in an Alexandria City Public Schools statement.

"I was honored to be chosen by the voters for the opportunity to serve on the Alexandria City School Board, and I thank the community for your trust and confidence," said Bailey in a statement. "I wish the School Board and superintendent much success in achieving the goals of the 2025 strategic plan and supporting students to be successful in life, college and career."

Last month, Bailey had walked out of a late night School Board work session on restructuring to new School Board term lengths, staggered terms and at-large representatives. ALX Now reported Bailey saying "maybe it’s because I’m old" and "as it gets late and we continue talking about the same stuff," he decided to leave the meeting.

Bailey is one of three District A representatives on the School Board. He was elected to the School Board in 2021 after serving on Alexandria City Council from 2016 to 2019. Bailey serves as deputy Fire Chief in the Office of the Fire Marshal at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. He is also on the board of Operation Warm and organizes local children's coat distributions as well as serves on boards and commissions like the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Educational Opportunities for Alexandrians and Carpenter’s Shelter. He is a graduate of T.C. Williams High School, now known as Alexandria City High School.

"On behalf of all members of the Alexandria City School Board, I want to thank Willie Bailey for his service on the Board and for his deep commitment to the children and families in the City of Alexandria," said Board Chair Michelle Rief. "There is a reason that Mr. Bailey has received Alexandria’s Living Legends award, given his long-standing dedication to ensuring our students have the community supports they need to learn and thrive."

The School Board has three representatives each in Districts A, B and C serving three-year terms. Terms for the current Alexandria City School Board run through 2024, when all School Board seats will be up for election.