MANSFIELD — The qualities that earned Mark Manley induction into the Xenia Community Schools Foundation’s Hall of Honor are the same ones he brings as Mansfield City Schools’ director of personnel.
“Honesty, integrity and respect for others, even when we disagree, are the foundation for working together successfully,” he said. “As educators, our work – everything we do – is for students. I believe that is a mission, a calling.”
Before accepting his position here Manley, 54, spent 30 years as a teacher and administrator in Xenia, the district where he graduated from high school in 1980. He earned a bachelor of arts and vocal performance degree from Anderson University in Indiana and a master of music degree from Wichita State University.
For more than two decades he taught vocal music and theater, an achievement heralded by more than 60 former students who nominated him for the Hall of Honor in 2015. His induction biography read in part, “Mark Manley, Xenia teacher and administrator, has taught thousands of students to appreciate the joy of music, of choral art and the wonder and magic of live theater. He has been described as an exemplary instructor who established high standards of quality to which others aspire.”
“I have always had a love of music. I had excellent teachers myself who inspired me to a career in teaching music,” he said.
He led students to more than 40 state-level superior ratings in music and produced 65 plays and musicals.
But Manley’s skills were recognized beyond the classroom. He served 14 years as president of the Xenia Education Association, coordinated the district’s resident educator program and then was assigned the role of human resources administrator in the superintendent’s office. His work earned the praise of fellow administrators in online postings.
“Mr. Manley often works quietly behind the scenes and doesn’t care who gets the credit. He has been known to get people talking and keep people talking until the solution is found,” said Principal Ted Holop.
Dianna Alloid, then supervisor of special education, also noted that Manley avoids public recognition, and added, …he has proven to be resourceful, finding ways to get things done when others have given up.”
So why his interest in Mansfield?
“During my induction into the Hall of Honor I saw my career before my eyes,” said Manley, who earned his superintendent license last year. “I began to ask myself ‘What do I want to do with the rest of my career? I saw the opening for a director of personnel here, did some research and applied.
“I believe there was an even larger purpose to my professional life that led me to this moment. There is a lot of important work to be done here – work that directly impacts the entire community — and I am very glad to be part of it.”
Acknowledging that “collaboration” is perhaps an over-used term, Manley said it is essential to the success of any school district.
“Personnel functions are not separate from curriculum or any other elements of the district,” he said. “A collaborative, team effort – listening and working together – will meet our responsibilities to students.”
Among Internet postings of praise for Manley is this one by former student Josh Fossitt: “Mr. Mark Manley was, and is, our professor of quality, excellence and tradition. He set high standards for himself and for his students. He has lived his life by the ethos and character of excellence.”
Larry Gibbs is a spokesman for Mansfield City Schools.
