HYA is pleased to congratulate Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) in Virginia on the appointment of Dr. Jharrett Bryantt as its next superintendent, following a national search conducted in partnership with HYA and led by HYA associates Dr. Bill Adams and Stacey Adams.
The Alexandria City School Board announced Dr. Bryantt’s appointment on October 8, 2026. He will officially begin serving as superintendent on February 1, 2027, succeeding the district’s current leadership as ACPS prepares for its next chapter.
Throughout the search, HYA partnered with the School Board to identify a leader whose experience and priorities align with the needs and aspirations of the Alexandria community. The process included opportunities for students, staff, families, and community members to share their perspectives on the qualities and leadership characteristics they valued most in the district’s next superintendent.
That feedback informed the development of a leadership profile that guided candidate recruitment and the Board’s evaluation and selection process.
A Leader with Experience in Large, Diverse School Systems
Dr. Bryantt currently serves as superintendent of the Anchorage School District in Alaska, where he has led a system serving more than 40,000 students across more than 90 schools since July 2022.
His leadership experience includes advancing early literacy and student achievement, expanding college and career-connected learning opportunities, and strengthening partnerships with businesses and community organizations. In Anchorage, he has also overseen the expansion of the Academies of Anchorage, which connects students with career exploration and real-world learning experiences.
Before becoming superintendent in Anchorage, Dr. Bryantt held leadership positions in the Houston Independent School District, including assistant superintendent and executive officer of talent. His work included efforts to strengthen educator recruitment and retention and expand students’ access to postsecondary opportunities. He began his career as a high school mathematics teacher.
Dr. Bryantt holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Yale University and master’s and doctoral degrees in education leadership and policy from The University of Texas at Austin. His professional accomplishments have also earned national recognition, including selection for Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Education.
His background in district leadership, academic improvement, and college and career readiness brings experience relevant to ACPS as the division continues its work to support student success and strengthen educational opportunities.
A Community-Centered Search Process
Selecting a superintendent is an important decision for any school board, with implications for students, staff, families, and the broader community. HYA worked alongside the Alexandria City School Board to support a process grounded in community input and focused on identifying a leader who could advance the district’s priorities.
The search began with stakeholder engagement, including a community survey and opportunities for students, employees, families, and residents to share their perspectives. HYA used that input to help establish the leadership profile, providing a foundation for the national recruitment effort and the Board’s candidate selection process.
Through each stage, HYA supported the Board in identifying and evaluating candidates in relation to the leadership qualities and experiences most important to the ACPS community.
HYA is honored to have partnered with Alexandria City Public Schools on this significant leadership transition. We congratulate Dr. Jharrett Bryantt, the Alexandria City School Board, and the entire ACPS community on this appointment and wish them continued success as they prepare for the next chapter of the district’s work.
Have Positions to Fill? HYA Can Help.
HYA partners with school boards and education leaders nationwide to identify and recruit exceptional leadership talent. Through a collaborative, community-centered search process, HYA helps districts find leaders whose experience, skills, and vision align with their goals for the future.
Learn more about HYA’s search services and how we can support your district’s next leadership search.
