Marie Manning addresses Etowah County Republicans

RAINBOW CITY, Al – State School Board members Marie Manning (R) recently addressed the Etowah County Republican Party about her campaign for a second term representing District 6.

Manning is a career educator who has held numerous positions in education including: teacher, vice principal at Ashville High School, principal of Ashville Middle School, St. Clair County Superintendent of Education, and St. Clair County school board before her current position. She has worked for the St. Clair, Pell City, and Talladega County school systems over her four-decade career in addition to working as a consultant for various systems.

"I have some experience that I got in those position that have been eye opening in my current position," (state school board) said Manning.

Manning said that the issues she encountered on the Local school board led her to run for the state board.

Manning, who was recently widowed, was married to former St. Clair County Commission Chairman Paul Manning (R) – who served 36 years on the county commission. The Mannings also own and operate a north Alabama ranch.

"I know nothing but education. I am learning cows because Paul had four pastures," said Manning.

Manning said that the state was performing near the bottom in education; but that the hiring of reading and math coaches and other reforms has led to the state climbing in the state educational rankings to about 34th.

"I would love to come back and give you an update on education in Alabama," said Manning.

State Representative Mark Gidley (R-Hokes Bluff) said, "I call her all the time to ask questions about what is going on in education."

Marie Manning's campaign Facebook

Marie Manning (Middle)

Marie Manning grew up in rural Dekalb County, graduated from Crossville High School, attended Jacksonville State University where she received a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in Instructional Media. She has a postgraduate degree in School Administration from the University of Alabama.

Marie Manning is a member of Pell City First Baptist Church, Pell City Rotary Club, The Capitol Club, and the St. Clair Republican Party where she has served as Vice Chair as well as a remember of the Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee.

Manning has one daughter, Leann Ford who is the Principal of Ashville High School and is the Republican nominee for St. Clair County School Superintendent. Manning has two grandsons.

She faces challenger Cathi Bradford in the May 19 Republican Party Primary. The eventual GOP nominee will face Democratic nominee Angela Morgan in the November general election.

The Etowah County Republican Breakfast meets on the third Saturday of every month at 8:00 a.m. at the Western Sizzlin in Rainbow City.

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