Jefferson County Board of Education, Place 3

Oscar Mann

Party: Republican

Age: 71

Residence: Gardendale

Political offices held: Jefferson County Board of Education, board member and current president; former Gardendale City Council member.

Professional experience: Assistant principal, teacher, coach, student teacher mentor and bus driver during more than 20 years with Jefferson County Schools; U.S. Navy veteran; Warrior High School.

Education: University of Alabama at Birmingham, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in secondary education; education specialist degree in administration.

Civic experience: Member and bylaws committee member, Alabama Association of School Boards with master level requirements completed; Eagle Scout with Boys Scouts of America; member, Sunday school teacher, finance committee member at Gardendale First Baptist Church.

Main issues: In campaign literature, Mann points to hisexperience and service as a JEFCOED board member for more than five years as preparing for the challenges ahead for the school system. His main goal is to continue to strive to make decisions that will enable students to be prepared for the future by being ready for college, careers and life. He said the system is beginning a major building project, building seven new schools and making renovations to other schools and athletic fields.