Jerry Lee Jones JR

Jerry Lee Jones Jr. is a Democratic candidate for the New Hanover County Board of Education in the 2026 general election (Nov. 3, 2026) ¹. The Board of Education governs the county’s public schools, setting policy, approving budgets, overseeing curriculum, and ensuring compliance with state education standards. As a board member, Jones would help shape decisions that affect teachers, students, and families across New Hanover County.

Jones grew up in poverty in New Hanover County and attributes his upward mobility to public education, which enabled him to become a scientist, educator, and small‑business owner ⁹. He has worked as a teacher and, as a parent, has raised children in public schools, charter schools, and through homeschooling, giving him firsthand experience with the county’s diverse educational pathways ⁹. Jones’s campaign emphasizes transparency, academic curiosity, and professionalism, and he pledges to strengthen public schools, expand opportunities, and improve communication among teachers, parents, and administrators ⁹.

Although Jones has not listed formal degrees, his professional background includes work in scientific fields and running a small business, experiences he says inform his approach to problem‑solving and fiscal responsibility on the board ⁹. He is also a member of the community’s education advocacy network, receiving endorsements from the New Hanover County Association of Educators and the 314 Action Fund ⁸.

Jones previously ran for the same at‑large seat in the 2024 election, appearing on the November 5, 2024 ballot as one of three Democratic candidates for the three available seats ¹. He participated in the March 5, 2024 Democratic primary and was listed among the candidates on the general‑election ballot ¹. While Ballotpedia does not provide a detailed biography, the campaign website notes his commitment to parental involvement, equitable funding, and rebuilding trust among stakeholders ⁹.

Jones’s public outreach includes a campaign website (electjerryjonesjr.com) that outlines his platform and provides a headshot, as well as a Facebook post from the New Hanover County Board of Elections announcing his candidacy in December 2025 ¹¹. He can be contacted via the email address listed on his Ballotpedia page, [email protected] ¹.

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