Hello!
My name is Elliot Mann, and I am running for Edina School Board. I live in Edina with my wife, Alice, and our three young children. I have a deep appreciation and care for the importance of public education, and of the function of our schools in our community.
For a little background about me, I cut my teeth on local government as a daily newspaper reporter covering education issues. From covering contentious issues like budget cuts, school boundary changes, and long-term academic planning, to discovering new technologies that teachers and kids are using in the classroom, I always enjoyed the mix of issues that come up at the school board level. I enjoy that it’s non-partisan, and at the very core, is about helping our kids reach the best of their abilities. I think we have great schools, and I’d like to help see them continue on that path. I feel that my experience of covering local boards for several years can offer a positive perspective.
I originally grew up in Richfield, and came back to the area when my family and I moved to Edina in 2020. Growing up, my life was impacted greatly by teachers, volunteers and a community that cared about the education of all students. The encouragement of these teachers led me into journalism, and into coaching and volunteering now as an adult. I have taught children in a missionary school in Zimbabwe, mentored young and up-coming reporters, and coached dozens and dozens of kids over the years. Watching children realize their potential — seeing their eyes light up when they realize their potential is even greater than they imagined — is an absolute personal joy.
I have three kids at Cornelia Elementary School, and we have loved the experience so far. I believe in strong public schools; every family in every neighborhood in Edina should be proud to send their kids to our schools. I also believe in respectful, informed collaboration, rather than partisan name-calling. In my experience covering school board governance, the latter simply doesn’t work at the school board level: for teachers, for the board, for the administrators, and most of all, for the kids.
Aside from all of that, I am a freelance journalist, full-time Dad, youth sports coach, and regular school volunteer.
Any questions? Let’s chat! Hope to see you soon.
Elliot Mann
Candidate
Edina School Board
Hello!
My name is Elliot Mann, and I am running for Edina School Board. I live in Edina with my wife, Alice, and our three young children. I have a deep appreciation and care for the importance of public education, and of the function of our schools in our community.
For a little background about me, I cut my teeth on local government as a daily newspaper reporter covering education issues. From covering contentious issues like budget cuts, school boundary changes, and long-term academic planning, to discovering new technologies that teachers and kids are using in the classroom, I always enjoyed the mix of issues that come up at the school board level. I enjoy that it’s non-partisan, and at the very core, is about helping our kids reach the best of their abilities. I think we have great schools, and I’d like to help see them continue on that path. I feel that my experience of covering local boards for several years can offer a positive perspective.
I originally grew up in Richfield, and came back to the area when my family and I moved to Edina in 2020. Growing up, my life was impacted greatly by teachers, volunteers and a community that cared about the education of all students. The encouragement of these teachers led me into journalism, and into coaching and volunteering now as an adult. I have taught children in a missionary school in Zimbabwe, mentored young and up-coming reporters, and coached dozens and dozens of kids over the years. Watching children realize their potential — seeing their eyes light up when they realize their potential is even greater than they imagined — is an absolute personal joy.
I have three kids at Cornelia Elementary School, and we have loved the experience so far. I believe in strong public schools; every family in every neighborhood in Edina should be proud to send their kids to our schools. I also believe in respectful, informed collaboration, rather than partisan name-calling. In my experience covering school board governance, the latter simply doesn’t work at the school board level: for teachers, for the board, for the administrators, and most of all, for the kids.
Aside from all of that, I am a freelance journalist, full-time Dad, youth sports coach, and regular school volunteer.
Any questions? Let’s chat! Hope to see you soon.
Elliot Mann
Candidate
Edina School Board