Assistant Principal Announcement

June 22, 2023

Dear Douglas MacArthur Staff/Families,  

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I introduce to you our new Assistant Principal Christopher Speich effective July 31, 2023. With an unwavering commitment to education and a wealth of experience in the field, Mr. Speich joins our esteemed educational community to embark on a journey of academic excellence and personal growth alongside our dedicated staff and incredible students.

Mr. Speich brings a dynamic blend of leadership, innovation and compassion to his role as assistant principal. He firmly believes in the power of education to shape young minds and empower them to reach their full potential. His strong belief in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment aligns perfectly with the values we hold dear at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School. Furthermore, Mr. Speich's warm and approachable demeanor encourages open lines of communication between students, families and staff. He values building strong partnerships with families and believes in the importance of involving families in their child's educational journey. As assistant principal, he is committed to fostering a strong sense of community, where everyone feels heard, valued and supported.

Mr. Speich has served as the campus administrator for the Alexandria City High School (ACHS) King Street campus during the 2022-23 school year and, prior to that, as the lead administrator for specialized instruction at ACHS since 2021. Before holding these posts, Mr. Speich served as an assistant principal at Samuel Tucker Elementary School, dean of students at ACHSand George Washington Middle School, and as an ACHS coach and high school teacher, department chair and STEM Academy founder/coordinator. Mr. Speich holds a  bachelor's degree in political science from Radford University and a master's in education from The George Washington University. He has earned a post-master's in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University.

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Mr. Speich as our new assistant principal. I am confident that his expertise, dedication and passion for education will greatly contribute to the success of our students and the overall growth of our school. We look forward to working collaboratively with Mr. Speich to create an environment that promotes academic excellence and supports the unique needs of every learner.

Sincerely, 

Penny Hairston

Douglas MacArthur Principal