City Schools Staff

Dr. Dustin Wright, Superintendent
 
Dr. Dustin Wright is honored to serve as Superintendent of City of Fairfax Schools, the community he and his family have proudly called home for 17 years. A lifelong educator, Dr. Wright brings more than 19 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and division leader. He most recently served as Chief of Schools for Falls Church City Public Schools and has held executive leadership roles in Fairfax County Public Schools, where he helped guide strategic planning, school improvement, and division-wide initiatives.
 
Dr. Wright’s leadership has spanned both elementary and secondary schools, including service as principal of Franklin Middle School and Olde Creek Elementary School, and assistant principal at Daniels Run and Fairfax Villa Elementary Schools. He began his career as a middle school music educator and band director, a foundation that continues to shape his belief in the power of creativity, relationships, and high expectations for all students. He has also taught aspiring school leaders as an adjunct professor in the Education Leadership program at George Mason University. His work has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Virginia State PTA Principal of the Year and the FCPS Outstanding New Principal Award for Region 5.
 
Dr. Wright holds a Ph.D. in Education Leadership from George Mason University and is driven by a strong sense of mission: that public education can transform lives when schools, families, and communities work together. As Superintendent, he is committed to collaboration, transparency, and keeping students at the center of every decision as City of Fairfax Schools continues building a bright future together.
 
Dr. Wright is a proud city resident, where he lives with his wife and three city students.
Dan Phillips Assistant Superintendent
Dan Phillips brings over 35 years of experience as an educator and administrator to the City of Fairfax Schools with his beginnings at the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Youth Coordinator and Summer Recreation Supervisor. Dan began his educational career as a sixth-grade teacher at Daniels Run Elementary School and was named assistant principal in 2011. He later moved to Providence Elementary School as assistant principal and then principal in 2016.  At Providence ES, Dan oversaw one of the largest elementary schools in the county. During his tenure, Dan managed Title 1 funding budgets and finances to maximize fiscal resources over while supporting the school’s and division’s mission and goals. Dan also facilitated the application, development, and implementation of Local Level IV Advanced Academic Program.

 

Dan earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master's degree in education administration from James Madison University. He resides in the City of Fairfax with his wife Tu, an educator, and their two sons who both graduated from city schools.

Carrie Dorsey, Communications and Community Relations Director
After graduating from the University of California, Davis, and earning her teaching credential from Sacramento State, Carrie began her career as a middle school history teacher in the Bay Area. After five years of teaching, Carrie joined a technology startup in San Francisco, where she expanded her skills in marketing, communications, and public relations.
 
In 2011, Carrie brought her passion for both education and communications to the City of Fairfax Schools. She is grateful to work in a role that blends her experiences, allowing her to support students, staff, and families while strengthening the connection between schools and the community. 
Barbara King, School Board Clerk, Executive Assistant
Barbara King joined the City of Fairfax in 2023 as clerk and executive assistant to the Board and Superintendent. Prior to joining the City of Fairfax, Barbara was an executive assistant to the principal at Providence Elementary School.