Alexandria School Board Reelects Dr. Michelle Rief as Chair, Names Christopher Harris Vice Chair
Both leaders bring deep local roots and a shared commitment to equity, student success, and community engagement for the 2025–26 school year.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — At its annual organizational meeting on July 10, the Alexandria City School Board voted to reelect Dr. Michelle Rief as Chair and elected Christopher Harris as Vice Chair for the 2025-26 school year. Both will serve one-year terms in these leadership roles.
Dr. Rief, who has served on the School Board since 2018, brings a deep background in education, community service, and advocacy. “It’s a privilege to continue serving as the Alexandria City School Board Chair for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS),” she said, adding, “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.”
Rief, a college professor and former nonprofit executive, was the first in her family to graduate from college. She holds a B.S. in Communications from Florida State University and a Ph.D. in African American Studies from Temple University. She’s taught at both Borough of Manhattan Community College and Northern Virginia Community College, and she’s a longtime Alexandria resident with two children currently enrolled in ACPS and one graduate.
Joining her in leadership this year is Vice Chair Christopher Harris, a lifelong Alexandrian and a passionate advocate for student opportunity and equity.
“Stepping into this leadership role is both an honor and a responsibility I take to heart,” Harris said. “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.
Harris, now serving his second term representing District C, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is a Board-Certified Safety Professional specializing in infrastructure and sustainable development. A graduate of T.C. Williams High School (now Alexandria City High School), he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Economics from Norfolk State University and National Louis University. He has spent years giving back — president of the Alexandria Branch of the NAACP (chairing the Political Action Committee), as a substitute teacher, varsity football coach, and member of the Alexandria Human Rights Commission. Harris is also a proud parent of three ACPS graduates and a strong supporter of public education.
During the meeting, the School Board also reviewed its Strategic Actions for the upcoming year — key priorities within the broader ACPS 2030 Nurture, Educate Inspire Strategic Plan. Focus areas for the Board in 2025-26 include collective bargaining, stakeholder engagement, strategic plan monitoring, redistricting implementation, and addressing middle school capacity.
The first regularly scheduled School Board meeting of the 2025-26 school year is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2025. For School Board meeting agendas and documents, visit the ACPS BoardDocs page. The School Board meeting webpage has information on how community members can view meetings live and participate.
