After the resignation of Executive Principal Alexander Duncan in 2024, followed by this year’s interim term of Executive Principal Lance Harrell, who will return to his previously held position of Campus Administrator of the Minnie Howard campus, Alexandria City Public Schools is searching for a new Executive Principal for Alexandria City High School.
The hiring process began about a month ago in April with application review, then moved to first and second round interviews, eventually ending with the permanent Executive Principal scheduled to be announced by the end of this month. The application group has been narrowed down from six applicants to two finalists: Michael Burch and Anthony McWright.
As a final part of the decision process, community members were invited to a Zoom meeting on May 14. During this meeting, the candidates answered questions from the attendees about their plans for ACHS. Each candidate was given 40 minutes to speak, beginning with an opening statement, followed by a question and answer period with the community, and ending with a closing statement.
Michael Burch
Burch is a proud US Army Veteran who currently serves as the ACHS Lead Administrator of School Improvement and Operations. He has worked for ACPS for 16 years and has over 30 years of experience in education.
He has held numerous positions in ACPS prior to being ACHS Lead Administrator; Lead Administrator of Operations and Student Support at King St, Assistant Principal, Testing Coordinator, Summer School Principal, Assistant Athletic Director and a Physical Education, Health and Drivers Education teacher.
Burch received his Bachelors of Science in Education and his Master of Science in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech and received his Post-Masters Certification in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University. He later earned a Postgraduate Ph.D in Sports Management from Texas Woman’s University.
Burch has led several initiatives within the school district such as the launch of the new Minnie Howard, the implementation of the Academy Model and created the COVID Master Schedule.
When asked how colleagues would describe his communication and leadership styles, Burch stated, “Logical. They will tell you that I’m very strong in building systems.” Burch prioritizes consistency and long term progress in administrative systems.
“My commitment is simple: to lead with collaboration and an unwavering focus on students,” said Burch in his opening statement.
Anthony McWright
McWright is the current Executive Principal at Responsive Arts and Steam Academy in Denver, Colorado. Previously, McWright worked as the Executive Principal at Denver School of the Arts.
He has served as an educator for over 30 years, 14 of those being as classroom teacher. For the 2025-26 school year, he has served as President of the Art School Network, a non-profit organization that works to support art-focused schools in the United States.
McWright received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Delta State University, his Master’s degree in Music Education and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Denver.
If selected, McWright plans to increase the involvement of art and STEAM in the ACHS student body as a “unifying factor” among students and families.
“Everything I’ve done is exactly outlined in this job,” McWright said when asked why he would be the ideal candidate for the position.
McWright said that his colleagues would describe his communication and leadership style as “supportive.” “I’ve gotten notes on how I care for [students, staff, and shareholders],” he said.
