Alexandria School Board Re-Elects Chair, Chooses New Vice Chair

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Michelle Rief will continue serving as chair of the Alexandria City School Board, and Christopher Harris will serve as the new vice chair for the 2025-2026 school year.

The school board selected members for the leading roles during its annual organizational meeting on Thursday. The chair and vice chair terms last for one year.

Rief is a college professor and education non-profit executive and one of three representatives of School Board District A since 2018. An Alexandria resident since 2006, she has three children who attend or attended ACPS.

"It’s a privilege to continue serving as the Alexandria City School Board Chair for Alexandria City Public Schools," said Rief in a statement. "Over the past few years, we’ve accomplished a great deal working each day to nurture, educate and inspire every student. As we move forward into the first year of our new strategic plan, I’m proud to continue partnering with my fellow Board members and Dr. Kay-Wyatt as we work together in ensuring each student is prepared to thrive in college, career and community."

Harris was chosen as vice chair after school board member Kelly Carmichael Booz chose not to seek another vice chair term. Harris, a lifelong Alexandria resident who works as a board certified safety professional, is one of three School Board District C representatives. Harris was first elected to the school board in 2021 and has three children who graduated from ACPS.

"Stepping into this leadership role is both an honor and responsibility I take to heart," said Harris. "I look forward to partnering with Dr. Rief, my fellow Board members, Dr. Kay-Wyatt and the Alexandria community to advance the ACPS Strategic Actions and helping create a safe, caring inclusive environment where students feel supported and respected."

The nine-member school board makes policy, budget and leadership decisions for ACPS while following the school division's strategic plan. Thursday's board meeting included a review of strategic plan actions to prioritize in the upcoming school year. The board also reviewed governance areas on board composition and election cycles, collective bargaining, stakeholder engagement, advisory committees, strategic plan implementation and monitoring, redistricting implementation and middle school capacity.

The school district has a diverse student body of 16,300 attending 18 schools. The school board's last election was in November 2024, where nine uncontested candidates were elected. New members include Ryan Reyna in School District A, Alexander Crider Scioscia in School District B, and Donna Kenley and Abdulahi Abdalla in School District C.