Our New Superintendent: Dr. Jharrett Bryantt
Dear Alexandria City Public Schools Community,
On behalf of the Alexandria City School Board, I am pleased to share that Dr. Jharrett Bryantt has been appointed as the next superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), effective Feb. 1, 2027.
Dr. Bryantt currently serves as superintendent of the Anchorage School District, the largest school district in Alaska, serving more than 40,000 students across more than 90 schools. Since becoming superintendent in July 2022, he has led district-wide efforts to accelerate academic growth, expand college and career-connected learning, strengthen early literacy and navigate significant financial and operational challenges.
Under his leadership, Anchorage School District has also expanded the Academies of Anchorage, building partnerships with more than 200 businesses and community organizations to create new opportunities for students. Like Alexandria, Anchorage serves a highly diverse community, with students and families speaking more than 100 languages.
Before joining Anchorage, Dr. Bryantt held several leadership roles in the Houston Independent School District, including executive officer of talent and assistant superintendent. His work there included strengthening educator recruitment and retention practices and expanding postsecondary access and success. He began his career in education as a high school mathematics teacher.
Dr. Bryantt earned 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. He is also a graduate of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Superintendent Certification Program and earned a Certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab. His national recognitions include Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Education and The Culture 50 Champions.
The School Board selected Dr. Bryantt through a national search conducted with the support of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA). The process included opportunities for students, staff, families and community members to share input about the qualities, experience and leadership characteristics they wanted to see in the next superintendent. That feedback helped inform the leadership profile and the School Board’s recruitment and selection process.
Throughout the search, the School Board remained focused on identifying a leader who understands the importance of academic excellence, strong relationships, thoughtful leadership and ensuring every student has access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive. Dr. Bryantt’s experience leading a large and diverse school system, his focus on student achievement and his commitment to expanding college and career pathways strongly align with the work underway in ACPS.
The School Board also extends its sincere appreciation to Acting Superintendent Dr. Grace Taylor for her leadership during this transition. Dr. Taylor has provided steady, thoughtful leadership while keeping the school division focused on students, supporting staff and school leaders and helping ensure continuity as the School Board conducted its superintendent search. We are grateful for her service, commitment and continued leadership as ACPS prepares to welcome Dr. Bryantt.
We are also grateful to everyone who participated in the superintendent search and shared their perspectives about the future of ACPS. Your input was an important part of this process.
As Dr. Bryantt prepares to join ACPS, the School Board will support a thoughtful transition that gives him the opportunity to listen, learn, build relationships and become even more familiar with the strengths and priorities of our school community.
We look forward to welcoming Dr. Bryantt to Alexandria and beginning this next chapter together.
Sincerely,
Christopher Harris
Chair
Alexandria City School Board
