Dr. Derik E. Jones is not going to seek four more years on the Richmond School Board — opening the door to other candidates.

In an email to the Free Press Wednesday, Dr. Jones stated, “Please feel free to print that I am not running for re-election.”

The son of Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Dr. Jones announced his decision just a week before the Tuesday, June 14, deadline to file candidacy papers, including required petitions.

“I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished in hiring a new superintendent and decompressing teacher pay,” Dr. Jones stated, but he said he needs to focus more on his growing church, which will soon open a new satellite sanctuary in Chesterfield County.

The pastor of First Baptist Church of South Richmond where his father is senior pastor, Dr. Jones is completing his first, four-year term and is a well-regarded member of the board.

With his departure, the nine-member School Board will have at least five open seats that voters will fill in November’s elections. Other vacancies are in the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 7th districts.