Unity first
You cannot fix problems when everyone is divided. Marcus will build working relationships with staff, families and colleagues so the district stops operating like the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing.
In her own words
“I trust him with my life.”
Melanie Rutherford
Former District One Councilwoman
There’s a lot of noise right now, but the only real question we should be asking is: Can Marcus Bowman do the job? I know he can, because I trust him with my life.
Four years ago, we were rivals running against each other. But watching him work tirelessly during my own campaign revealed his true character: a man who works harder for others than he ever does for himself.
Beyond our campaigns, Marcus has consistently shown up where Pontiac needs him most. He invests in our youth, mentors and supports our kids, helps women facing homelessness, and works on the ground to feed the homeless. He is a man who has faced challenges in his past, but he has dedicated every day to making a real and lasting difference in Pontiac.
I am not asking you to vote for Marcus because of politics. I’m asking you to vote for him because you can trust his track record of action, his heart for our community, and his commitment to serving others.
Please give Marcus Bowman a chance to serve and make a difference on the Pontiac School Board.
Why Marcus is running
Ready to serve in a bigger way
“I’ve spent my life serving people, on the court, in the community, and alongside families right here in Pontiac. Now, I’m ready to serve in a bigger way by ensuring our schools give every child the foundation they need to succeed.”
Marcus believes a thriving school district is the heart of a city like Pontiac. Strong schools attract families. Families attract businesses and investment. When the schools struggle, the whole city feels it. That is why he wants a seat at the table: to be part of the solution instead of watching from the sidelines.
“I never quit. I never give up. We play until the buzzer.”
Marcus Bowman, on his sports background
“Marcus is a sincere and genuine candidate who truly cares about our children, our families, and the future of Pontiac. I have watched him work in our community for years, showing up, putting in the time, and always working for the greater good. Marcus has a servant’s heart, a strong work ethic, and the leadership our students and our city need. He is not just talking about change, he has been doing the work.” William Hollis Jr.World Renowned Motivational Speaker
The plan
Marcus’s priorities for Pontiac schools
Every student deserves a quality education. Every family deserves to be heard. Here is where Marcus will focus.
Literacy and academic excellence
Too many Pontiac third graders are not reading at grade level. If you can’t read by the third grade, that creates a huge problem for our kids as they grow.
Better literacy, STEM and real-world learning for every student.
Safe and supportive schools
Working with staff, parents and the community to create safe, nurturing environments where every student can thrive.
Fiscal responsibility and transparency
The Pontiac School District runs one of the largest budgets in the city, roughly $100 million. Marcus studies it line by line, compares how other districts stretch their dollars, and will push for grants and outside investment so every dollar works harder for students.
Grow enrollment
Rebrand the district and offer programs neighboring schools can’t, using sports, electives and youth enrichment to bring families back to Pontiac schools.
Prepare for the future
Equip students with the skills, training and resources they need for college, careers and lifelong success, through stronger partnerships with the City of Pontiac, businesses, colleges and nonprofits.
Bring enrichment back
Marcus wants to modernize the curriculum and give Pontiac kids access to life skills and opportunities that set them apart.
SwimmingShop classGolfTennisArcheryFencing
“I’ve always loved Marcus’s drive and determination, and I would be happy to endorse Marcus Bowman for Pontiac School Board.” Mary PietilaFormer Pontiac District 3 Councilwoman
Proven leadership. Real results.
He has been doing the work
20+ yrs
Real-world experience
A career in skilled trades, property management and facilities maintenance, plus marketing, sales and customer service. Marcus works with the Pontiac Housing Commission and has handled budgets on federal contracts.
1,000+
People a year
Marcus has spent his career solving problems for people, working with more than a thousand people a year. He listens first, then gets it done.
For kids
Youth advocate
Coached and volunteered with the basketball team at International Technology Academy. Helped raise money for youth mentor programs when Pontiac had no rec center, and advocated for the youth millage that is bringing a new one.
“I am proud to endorse Marcus Bowman for Pontiac School Board Trustee. Marcus is a man of integrity, proven leadership, and a true commitment to our students, families, and community. He brings real-world experience, a collaborative spirit, and a solutions-focused approach that Pontiac needs on the school board.” Amir HassanU.S. Navy Veteran, Former Federal Law-Enforcement Officer, Community Leader
Hear from Marcus
The candidate interview
Marcus sat down with Crystal Proxmire of Oakland County Times to talk about literacy, the budget, enrollment and why he is in this race.
“Voting for me is voting for confidence. It’s voting for a solution. It’s voting for someone who is disciplined and committed to doing the best for the greater good of our children and our community.”
“You don’t have a thriving school district, you don’t have people interested in investing in that community, because you can’t attract families.”
“When you vote for me, you’re voting for what the future can look like.”
From the Oakland County Times interview
Let’s focus on solutions
Servant leader. Not a career politician.
- Engage with voters: listen, be present, build together.
- Offer solutions: clear ideas he can deliver for our schools.
- Keep it respectful: this race is about ideas, integrity and what we can do for Pontiac.
“This isn’t just about a seat on a board. It’s about our children, our schools and the future of Pontiac.”Marcus Bowman
Vote Bowman
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Early voting is open now. Find your early voting site, polling place and ballot, or check on your absentee ballot, at the Michigan Voter Information Center.