Letter to Citizens of Fredericksburg

Fellow Citizens of Fredericksburg,

I have always believed that public service begins with honesty.

That belief compels me to share directly with you why my name will not appear on the ballot for the November 3, 2026, Special Election for the Fredericksburg City School Board At-Large seat. I will be running as a WRITE-IN CANDIDATE.

The reason is straightforward. I failed to submit my Statement of Economic Interests by the filing deadline required by Virginia law. Although I ultimately submitted the form, I submitted it after the deadline. That mistake is entirely my responsibility. I offer no excuses.

As someone who has spent nearly four decades in public service, I understand that accountability matters. Candidates for public office are responsible for meeting the requirements established by law, and I did not meet one of those requirements. Regardless of my intentions or efforts, the result is the same. I missed the deadline, and therefore I will not appear on the ballot.

I am deeply disappointed.

More importantly, I know many others are disappointed as well. I think first of the 182 Fredericksburg citizens who signed my petition to become a candidate. Only 125 signatures were required, but many more residents stepped forward to express their support. I am grateful to everyone who signed, encouraged, volunteered, prayed, shared ideas, or offered words of support throughout this process. Your confidence in me has been both humbling and inspiring. I also want to thank the Fredericksburg City School Board for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve as the interim At-Large School Board member following the resignation of Jarvis Bailey. Mr. Bailey devoted nearly two decades of service to Fredericksburg's students, families, and schools.

I remain honored by the Board's unanimous vote of confidence in appointing me to continue serving the community during this transition. In addition, I am grateful to the Board of Directors of ACTS for supporting my decision to seek elected office while continuing to fulfill my responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer. I sought and received their approval because I wanted to ensure that my desire to serve Fredericksburg would never compromise my commitment to ACTS, its mission, its staff, or the thousands of individuals and families who depend upon its services.

Throughout my 39 years in education, including superintendent, mentor, and nonprofit leader. Those experiences are what motivated me to seek this position. I was not running to advance a political agenda. I was running because I believed my experience could help strengthen governance, support students and educators, engage families, and contribute positively to the future of Fredericksburg City Public Schools. That motivation remains unchanged.

My commitment to Fredericksburg, its schools, and its families has not diminished. I intend to continue serving this community with integrity, humility, and gratitude. It is an honor to serve this community.

With gratitude,

Stan

Stanley B. Jones, Ed.D. Interim At-Large Member Fredericksburg City School Board Chief Executive Officer, ACTS