MANCHESTER, NH – Manchester Proud, a local community movement to create a new, strategic plan for the Manchester School District has selected members for their Community Planning Group to begin exploring, shaping, and ultimately developing a plan for the future of Manchester’s public schools.
90 applications were received and reviewed by an independent Selection Committee tasked with identifying a group of 28 people that would authentically represent Manchester’s population.
“I was truly impressed with the representation from all areas of the community willing to work on a long-range plan that will identify and expand Manchester School District’s true potential. This group is a meld of expertise, perspectives, experiences, and commitment to an all-inclusive goal – our children and their education”, said Lizabeth MacDonald, Principal Weston Elementary School.
The Community Planning Group members met for the first time this week to get to know each other and get a sense for the work ahead.
“It was encouraging and inspiring to see people come together from different backgrounds and be represented. It will take a village to improve the current structure of the Manchester School district. I am excited to dive deeper with the group to come up with sustainable solutions that will better the learning of our students in Manchester and uplift our education system”, said Manchester Entrepreneur and Community Leader, Deo Mwano.
In March, the group will begin a deep exploration of the data derived from Manchester Proud’s extensive community engagement efforts that began in August 2018. Those efforts included canvassing over 2000 homes, collecting over 1100 community surveys, numerous town hall events, and most recently, over 100 listening sessions hosted by schools and community organizations throughout Manchester.
Shortly thereafter, the group will engage in the design process with Manchester Proud’s educational planning partner, 2Revolutions. Drafts of the plan will be shared with the Manchester community for evaluation, feedback, and validation. The group expects that the process will be complete and ready to present to the Board of School Committee by September of 2019.
About Manchester Proud
Manchester Proud is a community-based movement committed to the success of all public school students in the City of Manchester, New Hampshire. It brings together all residents of the community to envision, plan, and achieve its mission. Manchester Proud has no affiliations, political or otherwise, and is empowered by the fundamental belief in the strength of working together, equitably, inclusively, and collaboratively. Manchester Proud seeks to build a stronger Manchester through the excellence of the City’s public schools. Learn more at manchesterproud.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/mhtproud.
