O P I N I O N

THE SOAPBOX

Stand up. Speak up. It’s your turn.

Dear Mayor Ruais: I am confused and seek clarification.

As Manchester’s Mayor, you serve as the Chair of the Board of School Committee (BOSC). This is one of the mayor’s most important roles as it assumes the leadership position of advocacy and support of the Manchester School District – New Hampshire’s largest public school system.

But recently, you have endorsed the campaign of Ward 1 School Board candidate, Phil Tuttle. Mr. Tuttle homeschools his four children and partners with the Lion of Judah Learning Center, a homeschool cooperative hosted by the church he pastors, Zeal Movement. His platform includes strong support for school choice, parental rights, and the Education Freedom Account, commonly known as “vouchers.” (As of July 2025, the EFA program has become universally available to all New Hampshire families regardless of income and is funded by NH taxpayers with money originally intended for NH public schools.) His position is in direct conflict with strengthening the Manchester School District and protecting it from the overt dismantling of public education at the federal, state, and local levels. And yet, you have chosen to align with him.

As a candidate for School Board At-Large who is unapologetically pro-public schools, and eager to serve the Manchester community authentically, your alignment with Mr. Tuttle concerns me very much. This is not the first instance during your term as Mayor where your actions have contradicted a stance that should strongly support the Manchester School District, which I believe is in the best interest of the overall health, prosperity, and future of our community.

So, my question to you is: Do you genuinely support Manchester public schools?

Respectfully,

Cindy Stewart

Candidate for Manchester School Board At-Large

Beg to differ? Agree to disagree? Comment below using our DISQUS app. Got issues of your own? Send submissions to publisher@inklink.news for consideration, subject line: The Soapbox. Or, DIY it here.