Superintendent Rebecca L. Perry made the announcement late last week. “I am pleased that Cathy David has accepted this position and look forward to the contributions she will make in this new position,” Perry said. “This appointment is especially gratifying because she is a product of the Alexandria City Public Schools.”
David, a native Alexandrian and a graduate of George Washington High School, began her career here more than 24 years ago as a teacher at William Ramsay Elementary School. She has served the system as a summer school administrator, curriculum and staff development specialist, principal of Charles Barrett Elementary School and the principal of Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, the first new school to be opened in the city in 30 years. Under her leadership, Tucker achieved full accreditation in its first year.
David has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the College of William and Mary, a master’s degree in school administration from George Mason University. Her commitment to excellence has earned her numerous awards and honors, including the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award in 2001, the Alexandria Jaycees’ Outstanding City Employee Award in 1993 and Thanks to Teachers Award, sponsored by Apple Computer, in 1990.
Former City Councilwoman Claire Eberwein’s children attended Charles Barrett Elementary School when David was principal there. “Cathy David has done an excellent job in every position she has held,” Eberwein said. “She cares about her students, her staff and the entire Alexandria community.”
Paul Darby lives in Cameron Station and now runs an organization called Coats for Kids, which provides winter apparel to children in the Alexandria city public school system. “Before Coats for Kids got started, my wife and I provided winter coats to children at Tucker,” Darby said. “Cathy David is a remarkable administrator who always puts the needs of children first. She is truly one of the stars in the system. If you want a model for what a principal should be, just look at Cathy.”