Dr. Shirley Bonton received a Bachelor of Science and a master's degree from Lamar University where she was later inducted into the Lamar University Educator Hall of Fame. Bonton earned her doctorate in education from Texas Southern University.
She is currently service as the Deputy Superintendent for Financial Services and Elementary Education for the Beaumont Independent School District
Bonton has been involved in public education for the past 20 years. As a prior deputy superintendent, staff development director, adjunct professor, and principal, she is credited with leading teams and students to great academic success. These accomplishments were highlighted and published in an article entitled, "Our Best Schools" in the November 1996 edition of the Texas Monthly Magazine. Additional honors credited to her leadership include the Texas Education Agency Exemplary School Award, the Four Star School Award, and the Texas Southern University-CPAL Award.
Bonton is very active in the education field and the community. She has contributed to many organizations through her active membership in the Beaumont Area Alliance of Black School Educators, Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, the Texas Education Agency School Improvement Initiative.
In her free time, Bonton is an avid reader and a marathon runner.