Occupation: Retired business executive
Education/Background: Presentation Brothers College
How long have you lived in Manchester? 28 years
Hobbies/Fun Fact about you/other biographical info: I am a bibliophile. I have a large library of books and I love to read!
Why should someone vote for you?
I have served on the board for 5 years and I am deeply committed to driving excellence in Manchester Schools. I don’t accept that we can not have the best schools in the state for Manchester’s students and families. There is no stronger voice in Manchester fighting for our students, families and teachers,
How many public high schools should there be in Manchester, where should they be and should any of them be magnet schools?
Two. A new high school (Central/West) at a site to be determined and a renovated/rebuilt Memorial. Both high schools should be comprehensive high schools with a full range of subject including arts, music, trades and technology. I am open to the idea of smaller academy high schools such as a school of performing arts and music and/or a bioscience 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?
All public high school should offer vocational training.
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)
It’s exciting to see the first major investment in Manchester schools in 30 years. #keepgoingMSD
What is your opinion of Education Freedom Accounts?
Terrible idea that robs educational tax funds and gives them to many of the richest families in the state to send their children to private and boutique private. Giving $5k plus to parents to send a child to a $70k a year school like Phillips Academy while defunding public education is immoral and unAmerican.
How can the Manchester School District attract and retain talented staff?
Pay our teachers and staff competitive salaries! Demonstrate that our city values education and that we have confidence in the future of our city and state.
What are your thoughts on the Manchester School District’s curricula?
Manchester School District continues to develop its curriculum. Now, for the first time in living memory we have a full curriculum for all subjects from K-12 and that is a big accomplishment.
What are your thoughts on school budget deliberations in 2026?
The current Mayor and Aldermen have dug a big hole in the city school budget that has the schools financed at $17m below the rate of inflation costs over just the last 2 years. With rising school populations and more complex needs for our diverse body of students it is going to be challenging to deliver an adequate budget next year. The taxpayers of Manchester deserve better. A 1.5% increase on average every year since 2020 leaves us far behind where we could have been with a simple tax-cap compliant budget.
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?
My email is joconnell@mansd.org and my phone is 617-851-0428. I am also on social media and my website in OConnellatLarge.com