The latest student assessment results are in for many of Manchester’s public school students, but a case can easily be made whether these results should be seen through a “glass half full” or a “glass half empty” lens.
In a presentation during the Oct. 27 Manchester Board of School Committee meeting, Manchester School District Executive Director of Technology Stephen Cross and Manchester School District Executive Director of Technology and Data Kelly Jobel explained that Manchester’s public schools currently have more Chromebooks than students. However, now the question is what is the best way to maximize the educational value of those devices.
The bottom line is, for every million dollars in reductions, we can anticipate having to eliminate 15-17 positions. Assuming no other cost saving measures, a reduction like this would result in the elimination of between 150-200 positions.
This week, the Manchester School District broke ground on expansions at Hillside Middle School and McLaughlin Middle School in separate ceremonies marking significant steps in Priority One of the district’s facilities plan.
The Newport School Board announced last week that Forrest Ransdell will be the next superintendent of Newport.
Manchester School District Superintendent Dr. Jen Chmiel held a question-and-answer session at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Office on Hanover Street on Tuesday morning, seeking to serve as a resource for local business leaders looking for knowledge about the current state of Manchester’s public schools.
At the April 15th budget hearing, hundreds of community members showed up in support of our school district, with 60 speaking in favor of adequate funding. Only one individual spoke in opposition, a reflection of the disconnect between educators, students, families, and the reckless actions of some members of our Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
Referencing his family’s immigrant roots and entrepreneurial spirit, he said, “They built this business right here, which is where I learned about hard work, about being of use to others, and about treating those you work with as members of your extended family.”
Manchester School District recently announced that 47 students representing four schools will have entries in the 2025 New Hampshire Scholastic Art Awards. A special exhibition and reception was held March 20 at the District Welcome Center.
As the Manchester School District’s leadership prepares its proposed budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year, Manchester School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Chmiel feels ready that plans are in place to help the district meet its financial needs whatever may arise.