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Dustin Wright’s path to the top of Fairfax City’s school system began with a love of music. On Dec. 1, 2025, the longtime city resident officially became superintendent, bringing experience as a teacher, principal and central-office administrator to the role.

Wright played tuba and trombone while growing up and entered high school envisioning a career as both a music teacher and performer. After college, he performed with professional orchestras, jazz bands and other ensembles.

Teaching, however, remained a powerful draw. Wright earned his degree in music education after being inspired by several teachers, including Linda Gammon, his band director at Robinson Middle School.

He later spent six years teaching alongside Gammon at Carson Middle School, the only school where he served as a classroom teacher. Carson’s band program included more than 300 students, giving Wright an early sense of how much influence an educator could have.

Wright eventually decided that school administration would allow him to support a wider circle of students, teachers, families and staff members. He earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from George Mason University and became assistant principal at Fairfax Villa Elementary in 2012. Two years later, he took the same position at Daniels Run Elementary.

Administrative work proved demanding but rewarding. Wright enjoyed visiting classrooms, attending field trips and evening events, and watching students reach goals, make sound decisions and experience breakthroughs.

He also continued performing. During school concerts, he sometimes joined the band on trumpet or played bass with the orchestra.

From principal to system leadership

In 2016, Wright became principal of Olde Creek Elementary near Woodson High School. The approximately 400-student school offered a close-knit environment where he could build strong relationships with families and educators.

The role also taught him the weight of being responsible for everything connected to a school and its reputation—a duty he said he took seriously.

Wright moved to Franklin Middle School in Chantilly as principal in January 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic forced students into remote instruction for nearly a full year. Students began returning for in-person classes two days a week in spring 2021.

Leading during the pandemic required Wright to support students, teachers and families he had not had the usual opportunity to know personally. The experience reinforced for him how essential clear communication is.

He remained at Franklin until 2023, when he joined the Fairfax County Public Schools central office as executive director for strategy and planning. During his year there, he helped implement the school division’s new strategic plan for student success.

Although he missed daily contact with students, the position gave him an opportunity to influence schools across the county.

In July 2024, Wright became chief of schools for Falls Church City Public Schools, a position comparable to assistant superintendent. Superintendent Peter Noonan, who previously led Fairfax City’s school system, hired him for the role.

Wright supervised the principals of Falls Church City’s five schools and helped oversee their daily operations. He found it rewarding to help principals develop into stronger leaders and valued working in a small community where frequent contact helped deepen relationships.

Coming home to lead Fairfax City schools

Wright next applied to succeed Jeff Platenberg, who retired as Fairfax City superintendent in July 2025. The Fairfax City School Board hired Wright in November, and he started the following month.

The position offered him a chance to expand his impact while serving the community where his family has lived for 17 years. His wife, Monique, teaches music at Colvin Run Elementary. They have an eighth-grade son and boy-and-girl twins in sixth grade.

For Wright, working where he lives demonstrates his commitment to the city. He was also drawn by the school system’s record of achievement and the community’s strong support for educators.

After visiting all four city schools, Wright said he was energized by the work underway in each building. He described leading the system as both a privilege and an honor, crediting family members, friends, students and mentors for helping him reach the position.

He sees Fairfax City as offering a rare combination: close relationships and a small-town atmosphere alongside immediate access to the nation’s capital.

Visibility, accessibility and strong communication will be central to Wright’s leadership. He plans to attend school activities—including athletic events and concerts—as well as community festivals and parades.

Wright said he intends to be a persistent advocate for students and keep their needs at the center of the school system’s decisions.

His immediate challenge will be learning the full scope of the superintendent’s job and the school division itself. Wright said he is comfortable asking many questions as he settles into the role.

The greatest reward, he expects, will come from spending time inside the schools, connecting with students and finding new ways the system can help them succeed.