On November 3, 2026, registered voters residing in Transylvania County will have the opportunity to elect me, Bonnie Kelley, who has 42 years serving as an educator and administrator, for one of two vacancies on their Board of Education. With a Bachelor of Science in Education in English and Reading, Masters in Library and Information Science, and Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision, I have taught every subject and grade level including a virtual college level course for all teachers to be teachers of reading. 

 

As a supervisor of 150 school libraries for 17 years, I trained teachers and parents, created district wide student literacy programs, administered budgets, and served as project manager. At the district level, I have written Educational Building Specifications for construction projects and updated copyright guidelines, challenged materials, policy and procedures, and the technology bid list. 

 

At the school site level, I was middle school volleyball coach, cheerleading coordinator, spelling bee and speech festival coordinator, co-facilitator of the School Improvement Team, and volunteer on the Parent Teacher Student Association. As a church volunteer, I started Pre-K Sunday School, served on parish council, moderated an Open Forum for parishioners, and read scripture at Sunday mass. As a volunteer for scouting, I served as den mother, scoutmaster for mentally handicapped scouts, and unit commissioner. 

 

Currently, I belong to the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mountain Readers, trivia team, bocce ball. and trivia team. Since 2011, I have been state editor for DKG, a group of key women educators, with responsibility for their quarterly newsletter.

 

I am well prepared and ready to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to help students in Transylvania County excel in a safe learning environment because Our Children are Our Future!