Mark has been an educator for 26 years. He received a bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University and a master’s degree from Mankato State University. Mark completed his principal licensure with coursework at the University of Minnesota. He served as an elementary, middle and high school teacher for 16 years. He became associate superintendent for turnaround schools, office of new schools and contract alternative schools in July 2011.

Prior to his current position, Mark served as associate superintendent for Area A for one year. His other positions at MPS have included assistant principal beginning in 2002 and principal beginning in 2003 at Andersen Open School. He was one of the first principals in Minnesota to implement the Teacher Advancement Program. He was recognized as a Guest of Distinction at the 2006 Governor’s State of the State Address for increasing student achievement. In 2007, he was asked by the superintendent to lead the fresh start effort at Nellie Stone Johnson Community School in north Minneapolis.