City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 18, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution Establishing the City-ACPS Ad Hoc Committee on School Board Election Reform.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a resolution to establish a joint City-Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Ad Hoc Committee to study School Board Election Reform.
RECOMMENDATION: City Council adopts the attached resolution establishing a joint City-ACPS Ad Hoc Committee on School Board Election Reform.
BACKGROUND: On May 18, 2026, ACPS School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief requested the creation of a joint ad hoc committee to advance a City Charter amendment. The objective is to finalize a charter revision recommendation by fall 2026 for consideration during the 2027 General Assembly session. The City Council at its legislative meeting subsequently directed staff to prepare a resolution for consideration reflecting ACPS School Board election reform. This resolution establishes a temporary advisory body to evaluate ACPS School Board election reforms.
DISCUSSION: The proposed Ad Hoc Committee establishes a collaborative mechanism between the City Council and the School Board to review structural updates to division leadership. The committee's review will focus on term lengths, implementing staggered elections, and evaluating overall board size and composition.
The committee will feature balanced representation: two City Council members (plus one alternate) appointed by the Mayor, and two School Board members (plus one alternate) appointed by the School Board Chair. Work sessions will run from July 2026 through October 30, 2026, concluding with a final reporting mechanism to both bodies.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft Resolution Creating City-ACPS Ad Hoc Committee on ACPS School Board...
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