MANCHESTER, NH – After four years on the Board of School Committee, At-Large representative Nancy Tessier announced her resignation during the Aug. 27 board meeting, citing health reasons.
“I resigned because of my health – I had some heart problems this summer and my stamina and energy levels are not up to what it should be for carrying out my responsibility as board member,” Tessier said Tuesday.
Tessier, who served 44 years with Manchester School district first as a teacher, and then as a principal and assistant superintendent, said she was disappointed to have to leave the board, but felt the work required as an at-large representative was too important for her to continue while dealing with her health issues.
“It’s been frustrating for me, especially in the months since May, because I couldn’t carry out the responsibilities of the position,” Tessier said. “Visiting schools is a large part of the position, and I just don’t have the energy at this point.”
As per the city charter, the Board of Aldermen will appoint a temporary representative until a special election can be planned.
Tessier’s advice to anyone who might be interested in the position is that they have an abundance of stamina and time.
“To do the job effectively you must have both,” Tessier said.
The school board voted Monday night to send a letter to the Board of Aldermen instructing them to begin the process of finding Tessier’s replacement, according to Board of School Committee Clerk Angela Carey. That nominee will remain on the board until Tessier’s term expires.
Mayor Joyce Craig thanked Tessier for her years of service to the city and the school district.
“It is with great regret I accepted the resignation of Committeewoman Nancy Tessier on August 24. For more than 40 years, Nancy dedicated herself to helping students and advocating for teachers across the Manchester School District. Her departure from the Board of School Committee is a loss for our community. I want to thank Nancy for her decades of service to our city and for her friendship. I wish her all the best going forward.”
Tessier joined the board as an appointee in 2015 to fill the seat vacated by David Wihby, following his arrest.
Prior to her retirement, she worked as the director of the student teacher program at Southern New Hampshire University. She also previously served as a board member and as the chair of the school board for the North Country Supervisory Union in Vermont.
