Another Alexandria High School Principal Headed To Arlington Schools

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Years after Alexandria City High School's principal left for an Arlington Public Schools position, another is headed there.

On Thursday, the Arlington School Board appointed Alexander Duncan, III, as the new principal of Washington-Liberty High School, effective July 14. Duncan has been the executive principal of Alexandria City High School since July 1, 2023, overseeing the high school's multiple campuses. Duncan became principal when former Principal Peter Balas took a new position as principal of Wakefield High School in Arlington.

A news release from Arlington Public Schools says Duncan "brings a proven track record of instructional leadership, school transformation, and a deep commitment to equity and student success." He is credited with overseeing Alexandria's multi-campus structure with over 4,700 students and 500 staff and helping to achieve a decade-high graduation rate.

ARL Now reported that the school board's appointment of Duncan came despite many school staff backing Interim Principal Christian Willmore.

Duncan notified high school staff in a message on Thursday, reported by ALX Now. He said the new Arlington position "presents an exciting new chapter in my career" and said he "will deeply miss the ACHS community and all that we have accomplished together."

Before serving as executive principal at Alexandria City High School, Duncan was the campus principal at its Minnie Howard Campus and an assistant principal at the King Street Campus. Duncan first joined Alexandria's school district in 2007 as an English teacher and has served in positions like departmental leader, dean of students, assistant principal, and summer school principal.

Lance Harrell, a campus administrator, will become interim principal, according to ALX Now.