Occupation: Non-profit Employee
Education/Background: Bachelor’s degree
How long have you lived in Manchester? 8 years
Hobbies/Fun Fact about you/other biographical info: I live here in Manchester with my wife Kyra and our dog, Russ. We love exploring the trails and parks in the city, including the Rockingham Rail Trail starting right in Ward 5, and the Hollows Disc Golf courses. I currently serve as a member of the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport Authority.
Why should someone vote for you?
I am deeply grateful for the public education that I received growing up, and a strong believer in the importance of public education to our community. It is important to have a strong voice not only in support of the Manchester School District, but someone invested in making it the best it can be. As a younger candidate, I have an important perspective when navigating complex policies around technology in students education. And as someone newly married, I have both the time and personal interest in seeing the district be strong.
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?
All High Schools in Manchester should provide opportunities for students to receive high quality education in both the traditional academic subjects, as well as hands on technical and vocational training, no matter what high school they attend.
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)
To the credit of the current school board, it is terrific that the Center City will have a brand new Elementary School. As the School Board member for this area, I will be an active participant in the construction of the building, ensuring it meets the needs of our neighborhood.
What is your opinion of Education Freedom Accounts?
I am against Education Freedom Accounts. While every student has different educational needs, it is the responsibility of the public school district to provide a high quality education to all students. The Manchester School District will have a significantly harder time offering that high quality education because elected officials at the state level have prioritized allowing wealthy parents who have already been able to afford private school to remove public dollars from our school system.
How can the Manchester School District attract and retain talented staff?
One of the most important parts of offering a high quality education is attracting and retaining high quality staff. It is important to make sure MSD is offering regionally competitive compensation packages, and also ensuring quality teachers and staff are supported in the work they are trying to do.
What are your thoughts on the Manchester School District’s curricula?
The Manchester School District needs to have curricula that properly prepares students for the modern world. Given the ever changing technology landscape, it is more important than ever to ensure the focus of curricula is on how students process information, critically think, and understand how to learn and develop their strengths. As a young candidate, I have experience learning in an environment with access to the internet and technological resources, and that perspective is important in these conversations.
What are your thoughts on school budget deliberations in 2026?
As a district, we need to ensure that all programs and resources are funded at a level that provides the necessary services to our students and families. The School Board itself does not have decision making power in any aspect of the funding process, as those decisions rest with Aldermen, state, and federal lawmakers. As a School Board, we both need to be advocates for our own budget, and work within the means that we are given.
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 via email at Jeff@JeffTaylorforMHT.com – I look forward to hearing from your and hope to earn your vote on November 4th!