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OKCPS Teachers & Support Staff Endorse Mark Mann for OK State Senate

TeamMann

Updated: May 17, 2023

Leaders from American Federation of Teachers (OKC-AFT) and the Oklahoma City Federation of Classified Employees-AFT Local 4574 AFL-CIO support Mann’s run for District 46

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (May 17, 2023) – Today, the Oklahoma City American Federation of Teachers (OKC-AFT) and Oklahoma City Federation of Classified Employees-AFT Local 4574 (AFL-CIO) shared their endorsement of Mark Mann, who is running for Senate District 46 in Oklahoma City.


“The challenges facing public education have never been greater, and it is imperative that we have passionate, knowledgeable voices at the Capitol speaking for those who have dedicated their lives to serving Oklahoma students,”said Torie Pennington, president of the Oklahoma City American Federation of Teachers (OKC-AFT). “In his six and half years on the OKCPS Board of Education, Mark has consistently listened to and advocated for the 2,600 teachers who call Oklahoma City Public Schools home, and I have no doubt he will continue to fight for public education when he gets to the Capitol. OKC-AFT is proud to

endorse him in the District 46 Senate race.”

Mark Mann with AFT Leadership

A longtime advocate of public education, Mann currently serves on the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education for District 4 representing families in the central core of Oklahoma City gaining a reputation as an advocate for increased school funding, public transparency for school finances, and as an advocate for students, teachers and staff. At a time when politics and education are perhaps more polarizing than ever, Mann continues to reiterate the need for OKC residents to vote leaders into office who will support public education.


“During my time at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, I was proud to serve Oklahoma families, teachers and school districts. And since joining the OKCPS Board of Education in 2017, I have been honored to help OKCPS become the highest average teacher pay district in Oklahoma, expand our early childhood program, and pass the largest school bond in state history,” said Mann. “Our public schools are under attack from extremists who want to profit off of a voucher scheme. When I enter the Senate, I’ll continue to fight to stop vouchers, increase teacher pay, increase funding for our schools, provide mental health resources to our students and families, and will always respect our teachers for the professionals they are.”


A longtime resident of Senate District 46 in Oklahoma City, Mann owns an insurance agency and previously worked for State Superintendent Sandy Garrett at the State Department of Education. He has been married to his wife, Tonya, who is a lifelong educator, since 2005 and they have two sons, Alexander, who is an attorney in Denver, and Andrew who is a student at Classen School of Advanced Studies Middle School in Oklahoma City. Mann is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma.


“From his time at the Oklahoma State Department of Education to his current work on the OKCPS Board of Education where he represents more than 6,000 teachers and support staff, Mark Mann has shown he is not afraid to tackle the big issues,” said David Gray, President of the Oklahoma City Federation of Classified Employees and National AFT Vice President. “We deeply appreciate his willingness to come to the table to discuss the important issues facing public education today and wholeheartedly support him in the race for Senate District 46.”


Mann will be on the ballot in 2024, when current Senator Kay Floyd leaves office due to term limits. More information can be found at www.MarkMannforSenate.com.


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