In order to be considered, all School Board vacancy applicants must submit a Letter Interest, to be released as public record. The School Board will appoint an Interim Board Member on August 17, 2026. |
To The Fredericksburg City School Board,
I grew up in Fredericksburg and went through these schools myself. My kids are in the middle school and high school now. That's really why I'm applying. I know what this system did for me, and I want to help make sure it keeps doing that for the next set of families.
Professionally, I'm a Director of Operations for a national transportation services company. I'm responsible for a $300 million budget and six managers. Before that I spent a decade as a commissioned officer in the Army, including a combat deployment where I was awarded the Bronze Star.
The thread running through all of it has been teaching. I was an instructor in the Army, and every civilian role I've held has involved training and developing people, both adults and young adults just starting out. I've spent years on the receiving end of what our schools produce, hiring and developing young people in their first jobs. That gives me a practical read on what students need to be ready, academically, professionally, and on the field. Not just to graduate, but to handle what comes after,
I hold an MBA from Syracuse and a B.A. in Political Science from VCU. I'm comfortable with budgets, governance, and hard decisions, and I'd bring that to the Board's fiduciary work.
I don't come to this with an agenda. I come to it as someone this school system raised, who now has two kids in it, and who wants to be useful. I'd be honored to serve, and I appreciate the Board's consideration.
Respectfully,
Justin M. Carter
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Madame Chairman and Members of the Board,
I am writing to indicate my sincere interest in filling the interim position on the Fredericksburg City School Board recently vacated by Rev. Jarvis Bailey on July 13th. This August the 40-tyear anniversary of my arrival in our wonderful city, as I began my attendance at a strong, storied, public institution then known as Mary Washington College. So many years later, I am amazed that when I tell people I live in downtown Fredericksburg, their eyes light up! I love our city and am proud to be an educator who served the student body for nine years at the very beginning of my current twenty-two year career in education.
At the same time, I am also keenly aware of the complex challenges facing all public education institutions today. Our City Schools are no different. I offer a strong background in almost every grade level of K-12 public education, extensive experience with special education in inclusion settings, certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and certification in Phonics First, a highly regarded program that addresses the needs of students who struggle with phonemic awareness and phonics, which are the basic skills needed for reading success and lifelong literacy.
Beyond my expertise and experience from teaching over 1,400 students over the course of my career, I also bring to the table the confidence to ask thoughtful and potentially difficult questions. My strong analytical skills, curiosity about the story behind each presentation and related data, and my understanding of budgetary issues and investments make me a well-rounded candidate that will support the School Board's wide-ranging goals. I understand the pivotal decisions that our School Board will encounter over the coming years, and wish to be a voice of reason, inspiration and mostly, support for the wide range of students that FCPS serves. At every turn, and for every issue, I promise to hold an image of the families and their most precious children in my mind, as I help guide the future of the City Schools.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to serving the citizens of Fredericksburg in this very important mission.
Sincerely,
Beth Flanagan
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Dear Members of the School Board:
I respectfully submit this statement of interest for appointment to the At-Large vacancy on the Fredericksburg City School Board. As a Fredericksburg resident and lifelong educator, I would be honored to serve our community in a governance role focused on student achievement, fiscal responsibility, and public trust.
My career spans more than 30 years in public education and nonprofit leadership. I currently serve as Chief Executive Officer of ACTS and previously served as Superintendent of Danville Public Schools and King & Queen County Public Schools, Deputy Superintendent of Danville Public Schools in Stafford County Public Schools, and in numerous instructional leadership roles throughout Virginia.
Throughout my career, I have worked closely with elected school boards and understand the important distinction between governance and administration. Effective boards set a clear vision, provide responsible fiscal oversight, ensure accountability, and support the superintendent while keeping students at the center of every decision.
A strong example of my commitment to innovation was my leadership in developing the Precision Machining Program at George Washington High School in Danville. By partnering with higher education, business, and local government, we created a workforce pathway that prepared students for advanced manufacturing careers and post-secondary opportunities while showing how schools can connect academic excellence with regional economic needs.
I would welcome the opportunity to bring my experience and perspective to Fredericksburg City Public Schools. Trust, transparency, and student success have guided my leadership throughout my career and would continue to guide my service on the Board.
Respectfully,
Stanley B. Jones, Ed.D
Retired School Superintendent
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As a graduate of James Monroe High School and City resident, the success of our schools is deeply personal to me. The education I received helped shape my future, and I welcome the opportunity to give back to the community that invested in me.
Professionally, I have built a career focused on strategic leadership, organizational improvement, and accountability. Across my roles in healthcare and community organizations, I have worked to bring people together around shared goals, make thoughtful date-informaed decisions, and focus on measurable outcomes that improve the lives of those we serve. I believe those same principles can help support continued progress for Fredericksburg City Public Schools.
In addition to my professional experience, I have been fortunate to serve our community in multiple capacities. Those experiences have reinforced my appreciation for public service, collaboration, and the importance of listening to diverse perspectives before making decisions.
If appointed, my commitment would be to serve as a thoughtful, collaborative, and student-centered board member. I recognize that meaningful improvement is achieved through strong partnerships among educators, families, students, city leadership, and the broader community. I would seek to support our dedicated teachers and staff while ensuring that decisions are guided by evidence, fiscal responsibility, and a clear focus on measurable student success.
Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and every family deserves confidence that our schools are preparing students for college, careers, and engaged citizenship. I am committed to helping the division build on its strengths, address its challenges, and establish measurable goals that promise continuous improvement for all students.
It would be a privilege to serve the city that has given me so much and to help ensure that future generations of students have every opportunity to succeed.
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To: Clerk of the Board Fredericksburg City School Board
I am writing to express my sincere interest in being considered for appointment to the at-large seat on the Fredericksburg City School Board. Fredericksburg is a community defined by its history, its resilience, and its commitment to opportunity. I believe our public schools are the most powerful engine for that opportunity, and I am eager to contribute my experience, perspective, and steady leadership to support the students, families, and educators who make our division exceptional.
My professional and civic work has consistently centered on service, collaboration, and problem-solving. I approach challenges with a practical mindset and a deep respect for the people closest to the work. I believe strong governance requires listening first, grounding decisions in evidence, and maintaining a clear focus on student outcomes. I am committed to ensuring that every child—regardless of background, neighborhood, or circumstance—has access to rigorous instruction, safe and supportive learning environments, and pathways that prepare them for success beyond graduation.
Fredericksburg is growing, and with growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. I am prepared to engage thoughtfully with issues such as strategic planning, fiscal stewardship, staff recruitment and retention, and community trust. I value transparency, accountability, and the belief that public education thrives when the community is invited into the conversation and the decision-making process.
It would be an honor to serve the families of Fredericksburg in this capacity. I appreciate your consideration and welcome the opportunity to contribute to the success of Fredericksburg City Public Schools.
Respectfully,
Anthony C. Watkins
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