OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, recently was named Outstanding Rural Legislator by the Organization of Rural Oklahoma Schools.

The award was given for McBride's work to increase funding for public schools throughout Oklahoma, including those in rural areas, and to preserve policies that benefit public education. McBride serves as chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee for Education.

"As a product of public schools, I will always be a defender of our teachers and administrators in public education who fight every day to enhance learning for our students and to help graduate Oklahomans who are skilled and trained and ready for the future," McBride said. "Our rural schools need our help more than ever, and since my tenure as chair of the A&B Education Subcommittee, I've worked to ensure they get more equal funding to meet the needs of their student populations and to help them retain teachers. It's an honor to be recognized for my efforts."

McBride received the award at the organization's fall conference held Oct. 26-27 in Shawnee.