Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt was under contract with Alexandria City Public Schools through June 2028 when she announced her retirement last month — nearly two years before her agreement was set to expire — and the school board approved a separation package that includes a $37,500 payout, according to a signed agreement made public as part of the March 26 school board meeting minutes.
The Alexandria City School Board voted unanimously 8-0 to accept Kay-Wyatt’s resignation following a closed session at its March 26 meeting. Christopher Harris made the motion; Kelly Carmichael Booz seconded. The board deliberated in closed session before returning to open session to take the public vote. All eight members present voted in favor.
Background
Kay-Wyatt joined ACPS in July 2021 as chief of human resources and was appointed interim superintendent in September 2022 following the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings Jr. She became the first Black female permanent superintendent of ACPS when the board appointed her in May 2023 following a national search that drew 35 applicants and engaged more than 2,000 community members. Her initial four-year contract ran through June 30, 2027, at an annual salary of $265,000. The board extended her contract in June 2024 through June 30, 2028. She is departing Oct. 1, 2026 — nearly two years early.
The separation agreement
The signed separation agreement, dated March 26, 2026, confirms that Kay-Wyatt had been employed under a Second Employment Agreement dated June 20, 2024, set to expire June 30, 2028. Her departure is effective Oct. 1, 2026.
Under the terms of the agreement, the school board will pay Kay-Wyatt $37,500 — representing 75 days of accrued sick leave at $500 per day — on or before Nov. 1, 2026. The agreement specifies the payment is intended to supplement, not replace, any obligation the board has to pay out accumulated annual, vacation, personal or other leave…