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Robert Baines

by

Running forWard 9 School Board
in 2023

Running as Non-Partisan Election

Background info

Past and Present: Music Teacher, Alvirne High School. Principal Manchester High School West. Mayor of Manchester. Executive-in-Residence at SNHU. President Chester College of New England. Executive Director STEAM Ahead NH. Director of Community Relations DYN. Palace Theatre Board. Chair Manchester Public Television. Board Member University System of New Hampshire. Board Member Community College System of New Hampshire. Founder and President of Manchester Proud.

Prior political experience/offices

Board of School Committee 1973-1977. Mayor of Manchester and Board of School Committee Chair 2000-2006

Current jobRetired

Time lived in NH77 years in Manchester.

Education

Bachelor of Education Keene State College. Master of Education in School Administration Rivier University. Graduate Studies University of New Hampshire

Why are you running for this office?

I want to contribute my time to support the Manchester Public Schools to ensure that all of our students have the opportunities to reach their full potential.

What qualifies you as the best candidate for this office?

I believe that all my life experiences will help me in my role as a member of the Board of School Committee.

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

The Manchester School District and the City of Manchester have a relationship established in the City Charter, voted by our citizens in 1996. I support this relationship now as I did in 1996 as a member of the Charter Commission.

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 will continue to study the recent report and the recommendations made. I have not made any decisions regarding these recommendations.

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

The School District has adopted a Strategic Plan that addresses this important issue and is committed to steady progress. This is a critical issue that needs the support of all of us and is the focus of all in the educational community.

How would you address student equity?

Equity was a major issue identified by the work of Manchester Proud. Manchester Proud has provided the funding for the Chief Equity Officer for the School District and the Strategic Plan is being followed to provide every student with the support and resources to succeed. Our schools are focused on embracing the diversity in our schools and our community.

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

A wide variety of extra-curricular activities are essential as we strive to get more students involved. From my experience as a principal and teacher, the educational and life experiences are enhanced with a robust extra-curricular program.

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

The Manchester School District and Board of Mayor and Aldermen, with the support of our State political leaders, have made substantial progress in providing the funding to support our students’ educational experience. This cooperation is critical as we strive to address the critical issues identified in the Strategic Plan.

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

All our public school educators and support professionals should be compensated with competitive salaries. They also must be shown the respect they deserve and celebrated for the exemplary work they do in support of our students. Manchester Proud had kept this at the forefront of its work.

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?

There are many opportunities for our schools to work cooperatively to support our common goals. Parents and students are entitled to choices that meet their needs. Unfortunately, we lost the tuition agreements we had with other communities. We should work to regain the relationships we had with Hooksett, Auburn and Candia.

What are your thoughts on and plans on school safety?

This has to be the number one priority! I believe that all our school and community resources are focused on this now.

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

The most effective education occurs when students and teachers are in school together. Manchester must ensure that technology is up-to-date and teachers have the training to effectively integrate technology in their classrooms.

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

I am an advocate for project-based, hands-on, and minds-on learning. All students must acquire the skills that are needed for the 21st Century workforce. The STEAM Ahead Program had this as its primary focus. Also, the MST program is working and is worthy of replication in all our schools.

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

I know that this is an important issue that is under discussion under the leadership of Superintendent Gillis. I am looking forward to learning more about the strategies being discussed to explore opportunities to control costs while ensuring the special needs of our students are being met.