To the editor:

On Aug. 15, I will assume my responsibilities as the new Superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools. I am eager to officially beginworking on behalf of the students of Alexandria. Since my appointment in early June, I have learned a great deal about the school division through several visits, as well as e-mail and telephone conversations, with staff members, parents and students.

Even with all that I have discovered in recent weeks, I know that there are so many more people with whom I should speak, and there is so much more to learn. My first goal as I start my new position is to find balance between all that has to be done, and my commitment is to listen and to learn from those who know the school system so much better than I do. In the months ahead, I expect to be busy as I continue to meet with as many of the school and Alexandria communities as possible.

In addition to visiting classrooms to meet students and teachers, I will hold focus group conversations. During these formal and informal conversations, I will ask four questions:

• What are the strengths of ACPS?
• What are the needs of ACPS?
• What would you recommend as two or three major goals for the district?
• What are your expectations and hopes for me, as your new superintendent?

These questions, which I hope you will take a moment to answer, are also available in a survey format at www.acps.k12.va.us/superintendent/survey.php . In addition, you may choose to provide your responses by e-mailing me at superintendent@acps.k12.va.us.

To arrange a group meeting with me, please contact the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Sandy Hudnall, at sandy.hudnall@acps.k12.va.us or the Executive Director of Information and Outreach, Amy Carlini, at amy.carlini@acps.k12.va.us.

I will read and listen to all responses to my four questions and report back to the ACPS School Board, staff, families and community members after about three months. In the months ahead, I also will share with you some of my thoughts about what we hope to accomplish together.

During this time, the School Board will begin long-range planning with me, with a short-term objective of setting goals for this school year. My style of communication is to be as open and transparent as possible, so be on the lookout for e-mail and e-video messages from me, and for the start of an ACPS-Channel 71 Superintendents program featuring news about ACPS.

Thank you all for your gracious welcome to our school district. I am looking forward to becoming your neighbor and your partner in ensuring that each and every student receives the best possible education.

I hope that all of you enjoy the rest of your summer, and I look forward to meeting you soon.

Dr. Morton Sherman
ACPS Superintendent of Schools