Francis C. Jacobson is a candidate in the race for on at-large seat on the Newport News School Board.
Jacobson is one of two candidates in this race who will appear on the November ballot.
November 3, 2026 WAVY Voter Guide
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. Jacobson’s responses are below.
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Candidate Information
Name: Francis C. JacobsonRace: Newport News School Board – At LargeAge: 39Website: www.francisjacobson.com
Biography:
Francis Jacobson is a dedicated public servant, law enforcement professional, community leader, pastor, and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of combined experience in law enforcement, media, behavioral health, rehabilitation, and community development. A graduate of the Alpha Institute of Communication and Journalism, Francis developed a strong foundation in communication, media, and public engagement. He further advanced his education through studies at Abia State Polytechnic and National Open University, strengthening his knowledge and professional capacity across multiple disciplines. Throughout his career, Francis has focused on protecting and serving individuals, families, and communities. He has served as a Deputy Sheriff and held public safety positions in healthcare and educational environments, where he demonstrated a commitment to safety, crisis response, rehabilitation, and service. Francis is also a faith-based leader and serves as the Senior Pastor of Grace Domicile International Church. He is passionate about strengthening communities through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and public service. He is the Founder of Newport News for Young People Initiatives, a youth-focused organization dedicated to empowering, mentoring, and guiding young people toward positive choices, personal development, leadership, and meaningful contributions to society. As a community development leader and coach, Francis has participated in initiatives connected to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. His community work reflects his belief that education, opportunity, mentorship, and meaningful engagement are powerful tools for preventing crime, developing responsible leaders, and building stronger and healthier communities. As an entrepreneur, Francis is the Founder and CEO of Church Studio and NairaMe MicroFinance Bank. Through his entrepreneurial efforts, he promotes economic empowerment, innovation, financial opportunity, and sustainable growth for individuals and families. Beyond his professional and community responsibilities, Francis is a devoted husband and father. He is married to Lady Alexandria M. Jacobson, and together they are blessed with two daughters, Zoe and Adonia Jacobson. Francis’s life and work are grounded in faith, service, leadership, family, and a commitment to making a meaningful and lasting impact. Through his professional career, ministry, entrepreneurship, and community initiatives, he continues to invest in people, empower young leaders, strengthen families, and help create opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.
Question #1: Why are you running for this office?
I’m running for office because I believe every child deserves a safe school, a quality education, strong support systems, and the opportunity to succeed. My background in law enforcement, social services, behavioral health, community development, and youth mentorship has shown me firsthand that when we invest in our young people, we build stronger families and stronger communities. I’m running to PROTECT, PROMOTE, and PREPARE our students—to protect their safety and well-being, promote academic and personal success, and prepare them for college, careers, entrepreneurship, and life beyond the classroom. I also believe we must strengthen early childhood development and education, giving our youngest learners the strong foundation they need to succeed throughout their educational journey. We must also ensure that children with special needs have access to the resources, support, services, and opportunities they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Most importantly, I believe public service should be about people, not politics. I want to listen to parents and give them a meaningful voice in their children’s education. I want to support our teachers, empower our students, strengthen early education, advocate for our special-needs children, and work with our entire community to make Newport News Public Schools stronger, safer, and more successful for every child. This campaign is about putting our children first—protecting them, promoting their potential, and preparing them for a successful future.
Question #2: Do campaign contributions influence how you vote on a particular issue?
No. Campaign contributions do not influence how I vote on any particular issue. I make decisions based on the best interests of students, families, educators, and the entire community. My votes are guided by facts, public input, district priorities, ethical standards, and what I believe will strengthen Newport News Public Schools. I am committed to transparency, accountability, and independent decision-making. Support from a contributor does not buy access, influence, or a particular vote. Every issue deserves careful consideration, and my responsibility is to serve the public—not individual donors or special interests.
Question #3: What is the most pressing issue facing our schools right now? How would you address it?
I believe one of the most pressing issues facing our schools is the need to ensure that policies and decisions always put the best interests of our children first. We must be careful about policies that can undermine the moral development of our children, weaken the authority and effectiveness of our teachers, or limit parents’ ability to have a meaningful voice in their child’s education. My approach is simple: PROTECT, PROMOTE, and PREPARE. First, we must PROTECT our children, especially our most vulnerable students, by ensuring they have safe learning environments, appropriate resources, strong support systems, and adults who will advocate for their well-being. Second, we must PROMOTE parental involvement and teacher empowerment. Parents should have a meaningful voice in their children’s education, and teachers should be respected, supported, and equipped with the resources and authority they need to educate effectively. Finally, we must PREPARE our children for the future by providing an education that develops not only academic skills, but also character, responsibility, critical thinking, leadership, and practical life skills. I will listen to parents, stand with our teachers, advocate for our children, and work to ensure that school policies strengthen—not weaken—the partnership between parents, teachers, and the community…