New, Returning Alexandria School Board Members Welcomed In 2025

ALEXANDRIA, VA — New and returning members of the Alexandria City School Board were welcomed in an induction ceremony Monday.

The school board has four new members — Ryan Reyna in District A, Alexander Crider Scioscia in District B, and Abdulahi Abdalla and Donna Kenley in District C. Returning members include Tim Beaty and Michelle Rief in District A, Kelly Carmichael Booz and Ashley Simpson Baird in District B, and Christopher Harris in District C.

The members were elected in an uncontested election on Nov. 5, 2024. Three candidates in each of the three school board districts were on the ballot.

"It is with great pride to recognize and celebrate our returning and new Board members," said School Board Chair Michelle Rief. "I am thankful for our returning School Board members' continued dedication and unwavering support to our students. I am also extremely grateful for our new Board members. We are excited for their fresh perspectives, talents and commitment to advancing our shared vision."

Two of the previous school board members — Abdel Elnoubi and Jacinta Greene — were elected to Alexandria City Council. Other previous members not returning to the school board are Tammy Ignacio and Meagan Alderton.

The school board is tasked with making policy decisions for Alexandria City Public Schools, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, and approving the annual budget and updates to the 10-year capital budget. Funding for the school budget is dependent on approval in the city government budget by Alexandria City Council.

One ongoing issue for the school board will be tackling safety at schools. The new school board comes in the aftermath of violence at Alexandria City High School. Student fights at the King Street Campus led officials to move high school students to virtual learning just before winter break. The high school students will return for the first time since the fights once winter storm-related closures end. Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt announced security measures and student supports to improve safety at the high school campuses.

School board members have a training meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, followed by a regular school board meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday.

"We are delighted to welcome our new Board members and excited to have five returning Board members serve the ACPS community over the next three years," said Kay-Wyatt. "We look forward to our continued collaboration and partnership as we work together to inspire students and embrace new, innovative opportunities to enhance learning."