School district prepares to tighten budget

At a special virtual meeting of the Manchester Community Schools Board of Education last Monday, two budget-related personnel decisions were made by the board.

According to Kevin Upton, interim superintendent, during the past year, it has been challenging for the district to meet increasing budget demands created by a decreasing revenue and shrinking enrollment.

“The District has explored several options to address these issues, including employing a part-time superintendent,” Upton said in an email to the Mirror. “Unfortunately, the strategies implemented have caused a need for restructure.”

After reviewing its options, the board determined that it was necessary to eliminate two full-time positions from the district; that of Athletic Director and also the Preschool and Community Education Coordinator, effective 6/30/2020.

“The MCS athletics department will not be shuttered,” Upton added. “The strong pride and tradition behind the MCS athletic community will continue next year and for years to come.”

During the COVID-19 crisis, many public meetings will be held virtually in the weeks to come, for the safety of all involved. Upton shared that public meeting notices for the MCS Board of Education can be found on the district webpage dedicated to public notices for meetings. Another special meeting is scheduled for tonight (Monday, April 6) at 6 pm. The meeting will be held in Google Meet, and the public can use this link to attend this April 6th, Board of Education meeting virtually: https://meet.google.com/npz-kjev-qeg

The next Regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 20th, 2020  at 6:00 pm and is currently planned to be held in the BoE Room 200 at 710 East Main at Riverside Intermediate School. Watch the school web page at www.manchesterschools.us for updates.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.