Occupation: Professor, Saint Anselm College
Education/Background: Public Schools in New York and Ohio, and then BA, Dartmouth College and PhD Columbia University
How long have you lived in Manchester? 14 years
Hobbies/Fun Fact about you/other biographical info: I love to play tennis and I’m also an operatic tenor.
Why should someone vote for you?
As a teacher, I know how important education is. I believe strong public schools help each and every one of us and I want all Manchester students to have the best education possible. In my time on the Board, I have worked diligently to advocate for Manchester at the State level as Chair of the Education Legislation committee. I have also authored new Board policies that have reduced class sizes and improved communication for Manchester’s public schools. It’s time for Manchester’s School Board to think ahead, create a new strategic plan, and set the tone for the rest of New Hampshire. That’s why we need Board members who have the initiative and tenacity to get things done. And that’s why I’m running for the School Board. I’m ready to do the work, and I hope I can count on your support.
How many public high schools should there be in Manchester, where should they be and should any of them be magnet schools?
I think there are several models that would work–we need to think about what makes the most sense for our city in the long term–likely two high schools with robust curricular offerings across a wide range of subjects, preparing our students for the future. If we have a third, I could see the value in a performing arts school, or a STEM school.
Should all public high schools in Manchester offer some sort of vocational training or should vocational classes by centralized at the current Manchester School of Technology campus?
Yes, I think each high school should have Career and Technical Education (CTE).
What is your opinion on the first phase of the Manchester School District’s facilities plan? (finishing fifth grade expansions at the middle schools/new Beech Street Elementary)
I support the plan to update our school buildings which is now in process, including a new elementary school and updates to all four middle schools—I’ve visited all 20 of our schools and I know we need this long-term facilities plan.
What is your opinion of Education Freedom Accounts?
See my Op-Ed in the Union Leader here.
How can the Manchester School District attract and retain talented staff?
With fair contracts that consider how essential our teachers and staff are for our students; with meaningful professional development; and with a district strategic plan that demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement.
Anything else you’d like to add not mentioned here and what is the best way voters can reach you if they have more questions?
There’s still lots to do—these are challenging times for public education with funding and policy pressures at federal, state, and local levels. But we need to focus on our students and provide additional direct instruction and tutoring for them when they need it. I want our schools to be a reason for people to move to Manchester, not from. It’s time for us to re-commit to a bold vision for our District’s future that includes greater access to more instruction, updated school facilities, and greater funding from the state and federal levels.
As a proud product of public schools myself—I’m inspired by our students and teachers. I will continue to work tirelessly for them and for all of Manchester’s students, because our children deserve the best education possible. And I think we can work together to make this happen. I’m happy to talk with voters if they have questions: my email is drseanparr@gmail.com and my cell phone is 212-923-6612.