Politics & Government
Meet Darryl Thames, Democratic Candidate For the Manchester Board of Education
Learn about this candidate for the Manchester Board of Education.
Full name: Darryl E. Thames
Education: Howard University, Bachelor of Arts.
Work: COO, Urban League of Greater Hartford, Inc.
Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Why do you want to be on the Manchester Board of Education? I want to maintain my seat on the Board of Education because this work provides an opportunity to impact policy to directly influence positive academic outcomes for youth who attend Manchester Public Schools. Manchester is a great town: our children are our greatest commodity and this is what fuels my passion to prepare students to be able to compete in the global market place. I believe in Manchester, I believe in quality education and I believe that I am the man for the job! I believe that the goal from kindergarten to 12th grade should be to prepare students to be college ready and integral to this whole dynamic is the active involvement of parents and families.
What experience do you bring to the table? My gifts, passion, experience and life's trajectory have brought me to this place where I can directly influence policy, practice and decisions targeted to improve the quality and substance of the educational product at Manchester Public Schools. I have made significant contributions on the state/local levels of government and have experience with Community Based Organizations in the nonprofit sector as well. As a grants administrator for Danbury and Hartford Public Schools, I matched state, federal and private funding sources with the academic, social and safety needs of students. These skills are invaluable to developing strategies and financial resources that will support positive results for children.What do you think the town's most pressing issue is? While deteriorating infrastructures and crumbling school buildings are an issue that is being addressed, I am most concerned about the stagnation of academic performance. I will work tirelessly to thwart this trend and prepare our students to transition to post-secondary education.
What do you love most about Manchester public schools? I love the diversity of the town and of the public school system. I am also optimistic about the future of the school system because we have a strong interim superintendent and have hired a superintendent "in training" who has great promise.
Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What do you like to do for fun? I enjoy worshipping, reading, traveling and spending time with my family.
How can residents keep up with you? Darrylhps@aol.com or 860.922.3453
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
