We understand the task presented for these candidates — and ACPS — is immense, which is exactly why ACPS must choose the most steady and prepared leader for the job.
Our next principal must be ready to take on the challenge of not only leading a diverse school community, but strengthening it and building a foundation of consistency amongst a period of disorder.
We write this not as an endorsement of either candidate, but as a way to aid the community in evaluating the applicants, hopefully helping you to understand who you feel is best fit.
We’ve already reported on the recent zoom meeting introducing Michael Burch and Anthony McWright, but we further dive into the strengths and weaknesses of each leader in the sections that follow.
The evidence we’ve gathered is a result of extensive research on both candidates, culminating in a strengths and weaknesses list for each. Note that we utilize our editorial oversight to identify the positive and negative qualities listed, and they may be subjective to the reader.
After reading, please share your thoughts and opinions at the bottom of this editorial. We appreciate your community engagement.
Theogony’s extensive research on Burch has yielded multiple sources on his educational leadership.
After consistent and thorough research by Theogony, very little information has been found on McWright’s background. Information prior to his position at the Denver School of Arts is minimal. The following is what we’ve identified from the few existing sources.
Information used to speak on behalf of the community impacted by McWright’s administration can be found at this link. This is a school board meeting, which at about 45 minutes in, allowed the community to make public comments.
Overall, we urge the district to consider these candidates with the utmost attention to detail and care for the needs of ACHS.
Please comment with further thoughts and respond to our poll below.
This poll has ended.
Who do you feel is best fit to be the next Executive Principal?
The Editorial Board is comprised of Theogony’s editing team: Isabel Shultz, Editor-in-Chief; Byron Libresco, Opinion Editor; Alice Reynolds, News Editor; Carly Edmonson, Features Editor; Gemma Pianesi, Arts and Entertainment editor; Bastian Hoffman and Lillian Coulby, co-Sports Editors. On occasion, an editorial may represent the consensus of Theogony’s entire staff. If so, that will be indicated in the editorial, which will still be published under this byline.
Staff Adviser Kamilah Lawson is not involved in the writing or editing process of editorials.
Isabel Shultz is the first solo Editor-in-Chief of Theogony and enjoys writing news for the community and the Alexandria City High School student body. Outside of Theogony, Isabel works for Alexandria Library, spends time with friends, and listens to music.
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J. Campbell • May 25, 2026 at 6:01 pm
C. None of the above!
hmb • May 21, 2026 at 8:47 am
Perhaps another search
Joe Redican • May 21, 2026 at 7:11 am
Sometimes not making a choice and co time to look for other candidates is the best answer.