Last night the COPE committee made their endorsements for mayor and school board. This process included an in-depth questionnaire, our first ever open screening, on Saturday, June 3 and collecting feedback from our members. We are excited to announce that Saint Paul Federation of Teachers is endorsing Melvin Carter III for mayor and John Brodrick, Jeannie Foster, and Marny Xiong for school board.
Melvin Carter is a proven progressive advocate. Starting with his time on the city council, and continuing through his service as Executive Director of Governor Dayton’s Children Cabinet, Melvin has made strong public schools the center of his work. He has a powerful vision for the city of Saint Paul, including his commitment to using PILOTs as a dedicated funding mechanism for public education, and we look forward to partnering with him to achieve a more equitable Saint Paul.
John Brodrick has been a longtime champion of public education in Saint Paul Public Schools. As a former teacher himself, he knows the challenges that educators and students face every day in our classrooms. He is willing to ask hard questions and stand up for the underdog. Brodrick also brings invaluable institutional knowledge to the Board of Education. We are excited to continue working with him and once again endorse him for Board of Education.
Jeannie Foster’s background in early childhood education combined with her experience as a parent and grandparent in Saint Paul Public Schools gives her a unique perspective on education in Saint Paul. Jeannie knows our schools and is a passionate advocate for our students. She earned our endorsement last year when running in a special election, and we are thrilled to be able to endorse her once again for Board of Education.
Marny Xiong is a strong progressive and an experienced community organizer at heart. As a product of Saint Paul Public Schools and working in Minneapolis Public Schools, she knows what works in the system and what needs to be improved. We are enthusiastic about supporting her in her efforts in the coming months!