Polk Elementary Principal Retiring After 36 Years At ACPS

ALEXANDRIA, VA — James K. Polk Elementary School Principal PreeAnn Johnson, the school district's 2020 principal of the year, will retire on July 1.

Johnson spent 36 years —most of her career — at Alexandria City Public Schools as a teacher, coach, mentor ad leader. She joined ACPS in 1985 as a teacher and basketball coach at then-George Washington Jr. High School. She became principal at Polk Elementary in 2009.

Johnson announced the news in a letter to families last week.

"I have decided, after 36 years of service, to retire from the Alexandria City Public Schools," she wrote. "It has been an amazing journey from coaching the undefeated district champion GW Freshman Prexies, with Petey Jones at my side, to running this incredible school with supportive families, dedicated staff and the best dream team of administrators that anyone could ask for in Carla, Penny and India."

The search for a new principal will begin soon, according to Johnson. The Polk community will receive more information and can provide feedback at several stages of the process.