Brian Cole

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for Manchester’s Ward 7 member of the BOSC because I care very deeply about the public education system in Manchester. It has gone downhill in a drastic fashion over the last ten years because of the policies of the current make-up of the school board. Currently, Manchester’s SAU is ranked 184 out of 187. At the very bottom. The graduation rate is 74%, which means only 1 out 4 students will graduate High School, this needs to change. Math proficiency is only at 19% and Reading/Writing is just above 30%. These horrible numbers are not due to monetary issues, they are due to policy issues. We need education instead of indoctrination in the public school system.

What qualifies you as the best candidate for this office?

As a 25-year resident of Manchester I am familiar with the multitude of issues facing our school system. I have also gained a wealth of knowledge up at the State House on ways to fix these issues. I am not a “Woke Warrior” like my opponent Chris Potter. I will concentrate on education rather than indoctrination. I am a businessman with over 25 years managerial experience. I have strong interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, and I am a problem solver who can think outside the box. I believe that I would be a valuable addition to the Board.

What are your thoughts on the Manchester School District's relationship to city government?

The school system is a working part of our of city government. It needs to be held to checks and balances just like all the other departments in the city. It needs oversight just like any other department that the taxpayers pay for. Certainly should not be autonomous.

What are your thoughts and plans for the number of public schools needed in Manchester (with breakdown of elementary/middle/high schools in that number?)

It was a sad day when the City shut down Hallsville School in Ward 7. Instead of selling off the property for other uses than education, I would like it to become an extension of Manchester School of Technology and expand the trade school offerings. The state has a program where they will match the funds used for such a renovation for trade schools. It is a shame the city doesn’t take advantage of it.

What are your thoughts/plans on improving grade-level proficiency scores?

We need more education instead of indoctrination. The School Board has lost its way with the Manchester Proud roadmap. Using an outside shadow organization to create the pathway to success is a monumental mistake. The roadmap needs to come from the Board of School Committee itself. I would like to see a program written for each individual school that concentrates on core education tailored to that school specific needs and bring back leveling in the courses.

How would you address student equity?

Have teacher workshops to help teachers with their blind spots. Reduce race and gender barriers to learning. Establish an inclusive environment, discussions should represent a variety of views. Use dynamic classroom spaces, one that fosters and emphasizes interaction like group seating. Accommodate learning styles and disabilities, they vary from student to student. Be mindful of how we use technology in the classroom. Be mindful of religious holidays when planning the course workload. A student may miss an assignment or an exam when they are observing a religious holiday.

What are your thoughts on extra-curricular offerings in Manchester public schools?

I think they should be expanded. Children need activities and after-school programs to keep them engaged.

What are your thoughts on per-pupil expenditures/costs per student?

I was in a unique position being a State Representative in regards to the budget. I voted for an extra $27 million to be given to the Manchester School District, $7 million of which was designated for health and mental well-being of our students. I will continue to get as much money as possible from the state and federal funds into our school system.

What are your thoughts on attracting and retaining high quality Manchester School District staff?

What are your thoughts on the Manchester School District's relationship with private schools, charter schools and other school districts that have tuition agreements with Manchester?

The advent of Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) has allowed parents to explore alternative options to the Manchester School District education. Currently takes roughly $20,000 to educate a student per year, someone that opts for the EFA option only $5,000 follows the student to a private or charter school while $15,000 remains with the public school. Parents should continue to have a choice of where their child goes to school. I am in favor of making EFA’s universal, rather than having a cap.

What are your thoughts on and plans on school safety?

Our children are the most precious resource on the planet and they need to be in a safe environment. It is also imperative that we protect our teachers and administrative staff. There should be a school resource officer at each school. Sad to say but there should be metal detectors at each location as well. I would also like to see random drug testing among the faculty and staff. Any child playing high school sports should be held to the same standard too.

What are your thoughts on and/or plans for addressing remote learning/other uses of technology in local education?

I think remote learning contributed to the downfall of grades in the public education system. Students learn in different ways, making them all conform to one way of learning left a lot of kids behind. Also the rigid structure of remote learning is terrible. It takes away from social interaction of students which is very important in a child’s development to integrate with society. Technology does have its place in schools, and should be used where applicable and appropriate.

What are your thoughts on or plans for addressing vocational and career-focused educational initiative?

Increasing and expanding access to high-quality training programs to help students pursue jobs in today’s demand fields is very important. Career connected learning provides students the opportunity to gain real-life work experience, earn college credits, and make strides toward industry credentials before they graduate high school. I would support expanding these types of programs.

What are your thoughts on as well as plans for addressing issues and costs related to Special Education/IEPs?

The cost associated with special education is mandated by the state to be a minimum of 3-1/2 times the estimated cost per pupil. I would lobby to get rid of that requirement, because it simply does not apply to each student that needs extra help, this is prohibitive. Each case varies with the specific student’s needs. I would allow contracts to be considered as invoices to seek special education aid reimbursement.