Fredericksburg City Public Schools
Fredericksburg City School Board Member-at-Large Jarvis E. Bailey has resigned, with the board moving quickly to fill the vacancy.
Bailey submitted his resignation letter on July 13, 2026. It was read into the record during a special board meeting on July 20. In the letter, Bailey described his service as a “calling” and framed his departure in seasonal and spiritual terms: “There are seasons in every life… After much prayer and reflection, I have come to recognize that this is one of those moments.” He expressed gratitude for serving students, families, educators, and the community, and stated his commitment to ministry, speaking, coaching, and teaching.
The City of Fredericksburg’s FY 2027 budget includes a $1 million transfer from the Fredericksburg City Public Schools operating fund balance to the city’s operating fund.
The transfer was detailed during a budget work session and second reading ahead of final approval on May 12, 2026. Deputy City Manager Mark Whitley noted that city and school staff, along with Vice Mayor Charlie L. Frye, Jr. and Council Member Jannan W. Holmes, met regarding the move. Whitley described it as “a good option” that allows the schools to accomplish their goals.
“The travel audit is still in process,” division superintendent Marci Catlett told the Advance. “During the course of our audit, we noted School Board travel expenditures which did not fall within the school division travel guidelines. We have been engaged to perform a detailed review of School Board travel.”
A special audit of Fredericksburg City Public Schools Board travel expenses, originally due by the end of December 2025, remains unfinished amid staffing changes in the Central Office. Emails and documents show the comment regarding travel in the general fiscal year 2025 audit was edited after pushback from a School Board member, with language about purchase card use and policy recommendations removed from the final management letter.
This one’s for the people who really care about local news.
Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.
Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in
This one’s for the people who really care about local news.
Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.
Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in
This one’s for the people who really care about local news.
Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.
Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in
This one’s for the people who really care about local news.
Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.
Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in
This one’s for the people who really care about local news.
Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.
Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in
A 32-year-old Spotsylvania man was arrested Friday morning after he allegedly boarded a Fredericksburg city school bus while masked, attempted to enter James Monroe High School, and assaulted a staff member when denied access, according to the Fredericksburg Police Department and Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS).
The incident occurred at approximately 7:40 a.m. on March 13, 2026, at the high school in Fredericksburg. Police reported the man boarded a city school bus illegally and arrived at James Monroe High School. Upon attempting to enter the building, the school staff refused him access.