Occupation: Hairstylist
Education/Background: MSD 1997 Graduate, Continental Academy of Hair Design 1998
How long have you lived in Manchester? Lifelong resident (46 years.)
Hobbies/Fun Fact about you/other biographical info.
I am a mom of two children, hairstylist for 26 years. I enjoy being outside – I especially love the beach. As a family we enjoy spending time in Cape Cod or at the lake during the summer. Spending time in Boston or Manchester at concerts or festivals is always enjoyable. I’m always up for a great Celtics game wether at the TDGarden or home.
Why should someone vote for you?
As a graduate and lifelong resident of Manchester I have seen a lot of changes in our district and not necessarily for the better. I believe our kids should feel safe at school, and deserve a quality education. I want to see our district really prioritize reading, math and writing to create a strong foundation for our kids. We need to support our teachers and para professionals. Our parents should be involved in all discussions regarding their kids education.
How many public high schools should there be in Manchester, where should they be and should any of them be magnet schools?
With enrollment declining I would like to see a study done on how we can best accommodate our students. I’m thinking maybe two traditional high schools, one having a program for multi-language learners, the other a program based on STEM or Music and Arts. I will always be an advocate for MST being a separate building and program.
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?
NO! MST should be left alone. I feel spreading them out would stretch resources out to much.
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 agree with the expansion of 5th grade in middle school. I do not agree with the new Beech street school. I would of liked to see and addition put on Beech Street. I do not agree with the magnitude of the school itself and find it shocking that we would be disrupting that neighborhood & taking a park away for at least five years in the inner city.
What is your opinion of Education Freedom Accounts?
I think they are a resource and option to kids & families who a traditional school setting is simply not the answer for. Every family deserves to be able to do what’s right for their colds education.However I think they need oversight and accountability to spending.
How can the Manchester School District attract and retain talented staff?
Competitive pay and a supportive school culture is imperative. professional development should be meaningful and relevant. Staff needs to be and feel supported.
What are your thoughts on the Manchester School District’s curricula?
It’s finally horizontally and vertically aligned so that’s very important. I’m personally concerned with making sure it’s benefiting our children.We have to seriously look at the proficiency of our students. I would like to see a strong curricula based on reading and math. Looking at proficiency scores to many of our children are not reading on grade level.
What are your thoughts on school budget deliberations in 2026?
I think our district needs an audit of all income and expenditures. We really need to make sure all money is directly benefiting our child’s education not extra administration.
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?
Our children deserve the best education possible. A solid foundation in math and reading is needed to set them up for success. If you have any questions please contact me malindamccusker@yahoo.com or 603-820-6657 or on Facebook at Malinda McCusker for School Board