Staff and administration look back on a good year, forward to more teamwork

Manchester Jr/Sr High School

by Marsha Chartrand

A chaotic 2021-22 school year that damaged morale and public relations, marked a low point for Manchester Community Schools, especially the Junior/Senior High School. Staff, administrators, and students left the district at an alarming rate amid dissension about masking, disciplinary actions, parental responsibility, and other issues.

School board and administration stepped in over the summer to try and stem the tide, and rebuild morale and relationships — not only with the community, but among all of the different "spokes in the wheel" that make up the district. It was a difficult and uphill task. But as the school year ended, it seemed that there was progress being made.

Many new staff members and administrators have been hired this year. There is a new composition to the school board, after a hotly-contested race among six candidates in November 2022. New styles of leadership are being tried out — some of which are working and some probably still need tweaking.

The important thing is the amount of effort that the entire district is putting into making this transition a success. With some student families still considering school of choice to a different district, Manchester Community Schools needs to convince them why it's for the best to keep their students here in their home town.

"Teamwork is going to be essential," said Leslie Rollins, president of the MEA (teachers union). "This year has gone much more smoothly, for a lot of reasons, but there is still plenty of work to be done."

Rollins suggested that new staff rely on veteran and experienced teachers and staff to help them in decision making, and maintaining the traditions that Manchester families have come to expect. This, she believes, will help to retain families within the district.

New Principal Wendy Bridges, who is finishing up her first year, admitted, "There have been struggles, but we know we are in this for the right reasons and are committed to doing what is right for all students. Students adjust a lot quicker than adults do!

"Maddy (Stephens, the Jr/Sr High School's newly-hired guidance counselor) and I both know we have a lot of support in and out of the building, and it definitely keeps us going. We have a great staff who has been eager and willing to work with us to move positively forward."

Our school district deserves recognition for the progress, and the community's support in continuing to move forward and putting the 2021-2022 behind them. If you have a question or problem with something you've seen or heard about at the schools, go to the source. Don't rely on the rumor mill as your source of information. Contact the Superintendent, Dr. Brad Bezeau bbezeau@mcs.k12.mi.us, or any of the building administrators. Contact the School Board members with questions about the school board at https://www.manchesterschools.us/board-of-education/.

Without a school district, our community would lose one more piece of our identity. Let's fight to retain this essential part of our community, by getting involved, and by supporting and celebrating the good things that are happening at Manchester Community Schools.

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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.