Meet Chris Pattacini, Democratic Candidate For the Manchester Board of Education

Full name: Christopher John Pattacini

Education (colleges/degrees): Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, MBA, University of Connecticut, BS in Mathematics, CT State Teacher Certification.

Work: Managing Director of Delivery & Product Development for ProBenchmark - we provide benchmarking and consulting services for fortune 500 clients.

Why do you want to be on the Manchester Board of Education? I would like to continue to serve on the board to further the work we have done these last few years.  In that time, among other things, we have hired new district leadership, improved school climate and safety, and developed a new summer school program designed to improve student achievement and, of course, a renewed focused on improving our school buildings.  These changes provide a great foundation for us moving forward.  But clearly, our work is not done.  With three children who have either recently graduated, or currently attend Manchester’s Public Schools, my wife Melissa and I believe it's not just about our children; it’s about every child regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, or background.

What experience do you bring to the table? I've served on the board since 2008, and currently serve as board chairman.  I have served on a number of board subcommittees, including the Personnel and Finance committee, as well as the Building and Sites committee.  Prior to that, I helped to establish the Foundation for Manchester Public Schools, a non-profit that provides grants to Manchester's teachers to try out new concepts to improve and enhance learning.

What do you think the town's most pressing issue is? I think the most pressing issue for the town is improving education outcomes and lowering the achievement gap.  Public Education is the foundation of any community.  To that end, we need to continue to focus on student achievement, so that each and every child is given an opportunity to be successful in the future, whether that is to go on to college or other post-secondary education, or to enter the workforce.  All students need to have a strong foundation from which to grow and be successful in this global economy.

What do you love most about Manchester public schools? I love the diversity of our school system, and the wide ranging opportunities that we offer our students to grow, not just in the classroom (e.g., AP classes, UCONN classes), but outside, whether it is for athletics, art, music or any number of other community based volunteer activities.  These activities allow students to work together to build other important skills and attributes such as leadership, team work, commitment and giving back to the community.  

What do you like to do for fun? I take joy in all that I do, whether it is work, board service, or especially spending time with the family.  As UCONN graduates, both my wife and I enjoy attending UCONN basketball and football games - mostly to watch our son play in the UCONN band - so much for football this year!

How can residents keep up with you? Email address? Website? Facebook page? Twitter? Instagram? Etc. My email address is cpattacini@snet.net.  I've also periodically blogged on Patch.