Occupation: Insurance Broker
Education/Background: Along with my children, I myself am a product of Manchester’s public and Catholic schools. I’m a proud graduate of Central High School, where I played on the Central Basketball and Soccer teams before attending college in Washington, DC. I have deep roots in our community. I’ve been a homeowner and small business owner in Manchester. I’m the proud mom to two children and have been actively involved as a parent and coach at every step of their education.
How long have you lived in Manchester? I was born and raised in Manchester.
Hobbies/Fun Fact about you/other biographical info: I’m the proud mom of two children, who were also born and raised in Manchester. I’m the proud aunt to 15 nieces and nephews, many of whom attended local public schools and are alumni of Central High School. I coached my son at Manchester North Soccer. I coached my daughter and other amazing young women on the St. Benedict Academy Girls’ Basketball team. I also coached and played for many years in the Manchester Co-Ed Adult Softball League.
Why should someone vote for you?
I’ve been a mom at Green Acres Elementary, Smyth Road School, St. Benedict Academy, Hillside Middle, St. Joseph Junior High, and Central High School. As a parent, coach, and former school board member, I have seen what works well and what needs to be done differently. One size does not fit all when it comes to student learning. I’m running to fight for parents and families in our community – to advocate for the tools their students need to thrive. I’ll work to close the opportunity gap and to improve access to excellent education offerings.
How many public high schools should there be in Manchester, where should they be and should any of them be magnet schools?
I look forward to joining this debate on the School Board.
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?
We need to be ensuring that students are prepared for life after graduation, including vocational and job 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)
Ensuring we have safe environments and facilities for our students in which to learn is a priority. The first phase plans have already been voted on by the current School Board. I look forward to joining this discussion on how best to serve our students moving forward.
What is your opinion of Education Freedom Accounts?
A strong public education system is good for students, for families, and for taxpayers. Supporting tools for parents and families to pursue the best educational opportunities for their students is a no brainer. Advocating for our public schools to lead New Hampshire in proficiency and opportunities is also a no brainer. I support tools to accomplish these goals.
How can the Manchester School District attract and retain talented staff?
Teachers shouldn’t be burdened with bureaucracy and district politics. They should be able to focus on what they do best – direct student services and teaching.
What are your thoughts on the Manchester School District’s curricula?
The School District offers a lot of great programming opportunities, particularly for those students who already thrive. I’ll work to close the opportunity gap and to improve access to excellent education offerings at all levels to prepare students for life after graduation.
What are your thoughts on school budget deliberations in 2026?
The current School Board loves to advocate for more funding. Though the district has plenty of success stories, the School Board can do much better showing returns on investment. Our city schools can and should be leading New Hampshire in proficiency, test scores, and educational opportunities. Budget discussions should be serving those goals.
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?
I can be reached at 603-661-9445 or by email at kokelley143@gmail.com