I am deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of Tom Mooney, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers.

From my work with the Ohio Mayors' Roundtable, I learned first hand the passion and commitment Tom had for Ohio's children and the quality of their education.  He was always forthright in his comments during our meetings and continuously an advocate for improving teaching and learning in Ohio and nationally.

He will be greatly missed not only by the mayors who participated in the Roundtable, but by the state of Ohio, its teachers and students, and other education stakeholders around the country.  He continually pushed for an adequate and equitable education for all which the Roundtable endorses and will continue to support and push for in Ohio.

I felt Tom was a friend with whom I could always have an honest and frank conversation. The state's mayors saw him a friend and partner in improving education in Ohio.