August 23, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Neil Bhaerman, 412-266-4899, nbhaerman@oft-aft.org
OFT Endorses Candidates for the State Board of Education and the Ohio General Assembly
COLUMBUS, OH — Today, the Ohio Federation of Teachers announced additional endorsements for this year’s general election, including endorsements for the Ohio State Board of Education and the Ohio General Assembly. The endorsements were approved by a majority vote of OFT’s Executive Council, which is composed of member leaders from every OFT local union.
Katie Hofmann (District 1), Teresa Fedor (District 2), and Tom Jackson (District 10) received endorsements for the state Board of Education. All three candidates have a strong background on education issues. Hofmann is a retired teacher with almost four decades of experience in the classroom. Fedor, who taught for 18 years before serving as a state representative and senator, is currently the ranking member on the Ohio Senate’s Primary and Secondary Education Committee. Jackson, an insurance professional and community leader, began his career with a degree in education and four years experience at the Close Up Foundation, a non-profit focused on civics education.
“The state Board of Education serves a pivotal role in making sure that every child in Ohio, no matter where they live or what they look like, can attend a quality, local public school,” said Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers. “Unfortunately, some current Board members have chosen to engage in divisive attacks on educators and students rather than work collaboratively to address issues in Ohio’s schools. Katie Hofmann, Teresa Fedor, and Tom Jackson will put our kids ahead of partisan politics.”
The endorsements also include dozens of targeted races for the Ohio General Assembly. A list of current OFT endorsements, including some endorsements that were announced prior to the August primary election, can be found here. OFT’s Executive Council will consider additional endorsements as more candidate questionnaires are received.
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The Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) is composed of 54 local unions representing 20,000 members who are active and retired public school teachers, charter school teachers, school support staff, higher education faculty and staff, and public employees. OFT works to advance quality education and a voice in the workplace for Ohio’s education professionals. OFT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers.