Occupation: Enrollment Services at Southern New Hampshire University
Education/Background: Manchester public school, GED and pursuing bachelor’s degree.
How long have you lived in Manchester? I was born and raised in Manchester, 32 years.
Hobbies/Fun Fact about you/other biographical info:
I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love trying new things, exploring new places, being out in nature and trying new food/restaurants. I’ve played women’s semi contact flag football for 8 years, and have helped coach youth flag football as well. As a Christian, I am very involved with my church and love helping the community.
Why should someone vote for you?
I’m asking for your vote to serve the children, parents and staff within Ward 3, because I believe in restoring transparency, truth and accountability within the Manchester School district. I believe we need to improve fiscal responsibility, and remove unnecessary bloat. Parental rights are non-negotiable and student safety is a necessity. Manchester schools have been battling a bullying crisis for years, where children, parents, teachers and staff feel unheard, ignored or fear retaliation. This is unacceptable. Our children deserve to be supported, challenged and inspired. For too long we have been seeing the student’s proficiencies decline, and absences increase. It’s time to work together to better support the children of Manchester and set them up for success in and outside of school.
How many public high schools should there be in Manchester, where should they be and should any of them be magnet schools?
I believe all of the public high schools should remain the same. I am in favor of magnet and charter schools, and love what Manchester School of Technology has to offer. I think that every student has different educational needs and thrive in different environments, so options are crucial to each student’s success.
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?
I think that MST should remain the main location rather than having vocational training at all high schools because not every student wants vocational training, and MST is unique in the services they offer adding value to the student’s ability to choose that option. I believe we should invest in improving and adding more to MST instead of adding onto each high school.
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 personally don’t like 5th graders being in the middle schools, but my opinion is irrelevant if that’s what the parents want and enjoy. I also understand the Manchester school buildings are very old and need some tender loving care, but rebuilding multiple schools seems counterproductive to the fact the students proficiencies are still so low. How will these bonds and grants affect taxes? Shouldn’t we be utilizing funds to improve curriculum, retain teachers and paras, and have ample bus drivers and crossing guards?
What is your opinion of Education Freedom Accounts?
Education Freedom Accounts offer different educational options to students and families across New Hampshire. I believe each child should be able to thrive in whatever educational environment they need and I’m happy families can choose what is best for their children.
How can the Manchester School District attract and retain talented staff?
I believe the Manchester School District needs to have competitive salaries and invest in teachers, paras and staff rather than creating more “administrative” positions.
What are your thoughts on the Manchester School District’s curricula?
I believe we as a district need to re-evaluate the curriculum since the student’s proficiencies are below 30%. I also believe each student has different needs and learning abilities that should be individually met, so one child isn’t struggling or not being challenged.
What are your thoughts on school budget deliberations in 2026?
Looking back over the last 10 years, the budget has increased, the student’s have decreased and the proficiencies have declined. I believe fiscal responsibility is crucial not only for the district, but for the children’s success and the taxpayers of Manchester. It’s evident the budget isn’t the issue at hand…
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?
Voters can reach me by email: calirojasforward3sb@yahoo.com or through my political facebook page