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Minneapolis School Board AFL-CIO endorsed Richard Mammen: Longtime advocate for youth and builder of coalitions By Steve Share, Minneapolis Labor Review editor MINNEAPOLIS — “I’ve worked with kids a long time,” says Richard Mammen. “I know what’s possible and I’m not going to give up on it.” Endorsed by the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO and the DFL Party, Mammen is one of ten candidates running for an at-large seat on the Minneapolis School Board: only the top four vote-getters in the August 10 primary election will advance to the general election. A life-long resident of Minneapolis, Mammen has 40 years of experience working with Minneapolis youth and currently serves as director of citywide recreation programs for the Minneapolis Park Board.
In confronting the challenges faced by the Minneapolis Public Schools, Mammen thinks the community as a whole needs to be engaged. “We need to invite people to be involved in the lives and success of kids.” Mammen was tapped to be the first director of the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board, which brought together the city, county, park board and school district to address the needs of the community’s youth. “I believe in public education,” Mammen says. “It’s our best investment and strongest way to promote social justice.” A key question, says Mammen: “how do kids learn and how do we support them and give them hope?” “Let’s find solutions,” he insists. “If there’s going to be reform,” he adds, “I’d like to see it being led by teachers and educators.” Mammen wants to repair relationships between the school district and its employees. “When the employees feel they don’t have the support of the employer, they don’t feel they have the trust or respect of the employer. We’ve got to get back to a position of trust.” Contact:
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