AROUND TOWN: Retired educator to run for Marietta Board of ...

Jesse earned his Bachelor's in History from Piedmont College, his Master's in Educational Administration and Supervision form the University of West Georgia, and his Specialist degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University. He is married to his wife, Faye, and has two children and two grandchildren.

Jesse is retired after serving for 33 years as an educator and school basketball coach in the Atlanta school system.

Jesse D. Bonner Jr. is running for Marietta City Board of Education Member, District 5. This is his first time running for public office.

Supports high academic standards and rigorous instruction.

Believes extracurricular activities, athletics, and arts programs are vital parts of education.

- Supports high academic standards and rigorous instruction.
- Believes extracurricular activities, athletics, and arts programs are vital parts of education.

School Curriculum

Advocates for clear reporting on school spending, prioritizing classroom resources, teacher support, and student programs over bureaucracy, and ensuring financial decisions reflect community values and needs.

Wants to "strengthen the relationship between schools, parents, and the community."

Wants to provide resources that support student success at home and in the classroom.

- Advocates for clear reporting on school spending, prioritizing classroom resources, teacher support, and student programs over bureaucracy, and ensuring financial decisions reflect community values and needs.
- Wants to "strengthen the relationship between schools, parents, and the community."
- Wants to provide resources that support student success at home and in the classroom.

School Facilities & Resources

Supports strengthening school safety measures without sacrificing a welcoming atmosphere.

Believes in collaborating with parents, teachers, and local law enforcement to identify and address safety concerns.

Supports ensuring mental health resources are available to support students' well-being.

- Supports strengthening school safety measures without sacrificing a welcoming atmosphere.
- Believes in collaborating with parents, teachers, and local law enforcement to identify and address safety concerns.
- Supports ensuring mental health resources are available to support students' well-being.

Student Wellbeing

Believes in providing teachers with the necessary tools and training to effectively reach every learner.

- Believes in providing teachers with the necessary tools and training to effectively reach every learner.

Teachers

As of September 3, 2025, Jesse Bonner Jr’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Access to Education

Jesse Bonner Jr

Supports programs that engage families in the educational process.

Supports promoting extracurricular activities, athletics, and arts programs as vital parts of education.

Bonner Jr., 67, and his wife, Faye, have two children and two grandchildren. A member of the Sprayberry High School Class of 1976, Bonner Jr. earned a bachelor’s in education from Piedmont College, a master’s in educational administration from West Georgia College and a specialist degree in education administration from Lincoln Memorial. A retired educator with 36 years in the field, Bonner Jr.’s last post was teaching 18 years at Kennesaw Mountain High School where he taught geography and served as the head basketball coach. The school’s court is named in his honor.

Jesse D. Bonner Jr.'s campaign for Marietta City Board of Education Member, District 5 is his first entry into politics.

Opposes book bans, but said, "I’m not for removal of books, but it’s just on a case-by-case basis."

Supports school safety and improving graduation rates.

Supports transparency and equity in hiring practices.

As of September 3, 2025, Jesse Bonner Jr did not have a website or any information online.

- The Board of Education runs the public school system, and it is entirely independent from the rest of the city government. 
- Board of Education members work together to make school policy, set the budget, and appoint the superintendent to run the schools day to day. 
- Some Board of Education members are elected by the entire city, while others represent specific districts. 
- Board of Education members are elected to four-year terms in nonpartisan elections.
