Dan Bergeron
Running forWard 6 School Board
in 2023
Running as Non-Partisan Election
Having been raised in Berlin, NH, I know the great outdoors, life in a mill town, and last but not least, we knew politics.
1. City of Manchester, NH, Ward 6 Selectman.
2. Manchester Transit Authority (MTA), Vice Chairman, Board of Directors.
3. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Member / Donor, Educator Leadership Program.
Time lived in NHMy Wife and I relocated back to NH in 2001 to raise our two young children closer to family, following 15 years in Northern VA and the coast of DE.
In addition to the 7.5 years served on the BOSC over five terms:
1. Parent(s) of a 2014 and 2017 Manchester School District (MSD) graduate.
2. Manchester Memorial High School (MMHS) Parent Group President, Parents of
Performing Students (POPS).
3. Manchester Memorial High School (MMHS), Promotions Officer, MMHS Booster Club.
4. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Member / Donor, Educator Leadership
Program.
5. Manchester Foundation for Education (MFE), Executive Board Member at Large.
Why are you running for this office?
I love this office. I love Manchester. Although all Wards are amazing, Ward 6 rocks!
What qualifies you as the best candidate for this office?
Great question! The 7.5 years I have served on the BOSC thus far has provided experiences, relationships, and best of all, student feedback! As active parent volunteers, our family was able to gain knowledge and feedback in preparation for many decisions to follow. Such as: In 2013, I was honored to accept to accept the nomination from Manchester’s Board of Mayor and Alderman’s (BMA) majority vote to complete Donna Soucy’s term as Ward 6 Board of School Committee (BOSC) member; at the time, Donna was also representing New Hampshire’s 18th State Senate district; as is the case today. On August 4, 2015, I was once again honored with the appointment from the Manchester BMA to fill the seat vacated by the sitting Ward 6 BOSC member’s resignation.
What are your thoughts on the Manchester School District's relationship to city government?
Relationships, relationships, and more relationships are needed to work collectively. This was evident during the Pandemic. To quote Mayor Craig relative to the BOSC having been selected as the 2021 “New Hampshire’s School Board of the Year”, by New Hampshire’s School Board Association: The Manchester Board of School Committee (BOSC) has had to make difficult policy decisions in order to keep our students, their family / community, our educators, and staff, safe. Our effort / accomplishments are made as a group, versus individuals. “despite these uncontrollable challenges, we have continued to make progress, including implementing new curriculum, expanding professional development opportunities, and staying true to the District’s mission of ‘Excellence and Equity: Every Classroom. Every day.’ I’m honored to serve with this group of dedicated public servants.” As I am.
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?)
I certainly look forward to taking additional time to re-familiarize myself with the Facilities presentation provided at the 08/28/23 BOSC Meeting.
How would you address student equity?
I look forward to hear recommended options from our students and our Equity and Inclusion Project Manager.
What are your thoughts on extra-curricular offerings in Manchester public schools?
I look forward to asking student BOSC members to provide input.
What are your thoughts on attracting and retaining high quality Manchester School District staff?
The MSD should have a discussion on an effective Succession Planning Program / Policies.
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?
Relationships, relationships, and yes, more relationships. It is vital that MSD students maintain vital input relative to equitable opportunities.
What are your thoughts on and/or plans for addressing remote learning/other uses of technology in local education?
Another great question! I’m looking forward to the research and great discussion, especially given the knowledgeable BOSC IT Department.
What are your thoughts on or plans for addressing vocational and career-focused educational initiative?
There are exciting opportunities in our Community College System of NH. Let’s get some student input!
