Candidate Profile: Javanese Hailey For Manassas City School Board

MANASSAS, VA – Six candidates are seeking three seats on the Manassas City School Board. Patch invited each of the candidates to share their backgrounds, priorities and views on issues facing Manassas residents through a candidate questionnaire.

Javanese Hailey is a middle school math teacher who has taught in several Northern Virginia school districts. Her answers to Patch's questions are below.

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Name

Javanese Hailey

Party endorsements

Republican

Campaign website

Javanese Hailey for School Board

Campaign social media

Facebook: Hailey For Manassas City School Board

Why are you running for this office?

I'm running for the Manassas City School Board for a second time (I ran in 2024) because our schools need leadership that bridges the gap between classroom realities and community needs. My decision to run is shaped by the defining roles of my life: I am a veteran math teacher of 24 years (former Metz and BIS teacher), a single mother, and a parent who deeply understands what it takes to support a school-aged child in today's world.

For years, I have looked at our education system through the eyes of an educator. I know firsthand the dedication it takes to help a student master a difficult concept, the strain of shrinking resources, and the critical need to support our frontline teachers. Math teaches us that every problem has a solution if you apply the right formula--and right now, our schools need a formula focused on academic excellence, and transparent communication.

My commitment to public education is both professional and deeply personal. I understand the juggling act that families face every day. I know the high expectations we hold for our children's futures as well as the practical realities of managing time, budgets, and everyday challenges. I am running to ensure that every parent in Manassas City has an empathetic, fierce advocate on the school board who respects their sacrifices and shares their high standards.

What do constituents tell you is most important to them for the coming term?

When I speak with constituents, their message is clear: the top priority for the coming term is restoring academic excellence and accountability in our schools. Parents, teachers, and community members are deeply frustrated by watered-down educational standards and a persistent lack of accountability for student behavior in the classroom. They are tired of hearing excuses for why our district consistently ranks among the lowest-performing districts in the nation, and they expect a sense of urgency, and decisive action to turn things around.

What are your day-one priorities, if elected?

My day-one priority is to unite our community around a culture of high expectations. Academic excellence isn't just a phrase; it's a commitment we owe to every child in Manassas City. On day one, I will champion an initiative that brings teachers, parents, and administrators together to redefine what success looks like in our classrooms. When we raise the bar and give our educators the resources they need, our students will rise to meet it. We must show our students that we believe in their potential before they can fully believe in it themselves."

What are your longer-term goals, if elected?

If elected to the Manassas City School Board, my long-term goal is to cultivate a culture of absolute accountability and high academic achievement. I am committed to moving past institutional excuses and focusing entirely on actionable solutions. I will reject any efforts to continue lowering standards; instead, I will advocate for a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum that challenges our students and equips them to succeed in tomorrow's economy. Our children's futures are far too valuable to be stalled by bureaucratic misalignment or a lack of coordination. They deserve a school system where all parts work in harmony toward their success. To achieve this, we need courageous, effective, and decisive leadership on the board, and that is exactly what I intend to deliver

What about your professional or other background has prepared you for this office?

My 24-year career as a math teacher—including two rewarding years directly serving our community within Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS)—has provided me with an intimate, frontline understanding of our education system. I know firsthand the daily triumphs and challenges our teachers, students, and families face. I see how policy decisions made at the board level translate into the classroom every single day. However, my preparation for this role goes far deeper than my professional credentials; it is rooted in my personal story of resilience. Losing my mother at just 10 years old, alongside the absence of my father, easily could have derailed my life's trajectory. But the support of my maternal grandparents, compassionate educators, and an unshakeable determination made all the difference for me.

Against the odds, I poured myself into my education, earning my Master's degree by the age of 22. This lived experience shapes everything I do. I don't just talk about supporting vulnerable or at-risk students; I was one of those students. I know exactly what it takes to build a support system that catches children before they fall, and I understand the transformative power of a high-quality education. This lived experience has shaped my conviction that some of our district's policies run entirely counter to what is truly required to support and uplift students.

As a School Board member, I will bring a unique blend of deep pedagogical expertise, local MCPS classroom experience, and a profound personal empathy for every child who faces adversity. I am ready to ensure that Manassas City Public Schools provides every single student with the resources, champions, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Aside from winning the election, what has been your most important campaign goal?

Aside from winning, my most important goal is to restore integrity to our school board and give Manassas City voters a real choice based on character, not political pandering. Like many of you, I am deeply frustrated by the divisive politics playing out in our schools. Our children's education should never be a political battleground. Rather than selecting leaders based on partisan 'sides,' I want to encourage our community to look closely at the actual people running—their qualifications, their dedication, and their values. Throughout this campaign and my future service, I am committed to absolute integrity. I want to prove that you can run for office while staying true to yourself and focusing entirely on what is best for our students, teachers, and families. Ultimately, success means giving Manassas City a leader who listens, unites, and provides a trusted voice for every family.