5 Major Updates You Need To Know About Manchester Public Schools CT For The 2025-2026 School Year
Manchester Public Schools (MPS) in Connecticut is undergoing a period of significant strategic focus, with major developments shaping the district's trajectory for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. As of late 2025, the conversation is dominated by financial challenges, notable academic achievements, and a determined push toward greater staff diversity.
The district’s central mission remains a commitment to providing the highest quality 21st-century education, preschool through graduation, a goal that requires navigating complex budgetary pressures, particularly those driven by rising special education needs. These fresh updates reflect the current priorities of the Manchester Board of Education and the administration under Superintendent Matthew Geary.
Superintendent's Profile: Matthew Geary and the MPS Administration
The strategic direction and leadership of Manchester Public Schools are overseen by Superintendent Matthew Geary, a long-serving figure who has been with the district for over a decade. His background and tenure provide a foundation of stability for the Manchester School District.
Matthew Geary: A Detailed Biography
- Current Role: Superintendent of Manchester Public Schools, CT.
- Tenure as Superintendent: Began in July 2014, succeeding Richard Kisiel.
- Prior MPS Role: Served as the Principal of Manchester High School, starting in April 2012.
- Early Career: Started his career in education as a Math teacher at Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge.
- Administrative Experience: Held the positions of Assistant Principal and then Principal of Watertown High School before joining the MPS administration.
- Contract Status: His contract was recently extended, securing his leadership for the district until at least June 2027.
Key Board of Education Members
The Superintendent works in partnership with the Manchester Board of Education, which consists of nine members serving three-year terms. Key members currently include Heather Doucette (D), Michael Orsene (R), and Bob Spada (R). The political landscape remains active, with the seats held by Chairman Chris Pattacini and Secretary Tracy Patterson, both Democrats, scheduled to be up for re-election in 2025.
The 2025-2026 Budget Crisis: Special Education as the Primary Driver
The most pressing and current issue facing Manchester Public Schools is the management of its fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. Financial planning for the district has been intensely scrutinized due to escalating costs, presenting a significant challenge for the administration and the Board of Education.
The Approved Budget and Key Increase Drivers
Superintendent Matthew Geary initially recommended a substantial budget of $131.5 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Following deliberation, the Manchester Board of Education ultimately approved a budget of approximately $128.47 million, representing a 2.07% increase over the previous year. A major factor pushing this increase is the soaring cost of special education services.
Special education funding is a critical component of the MPS budget, necessitating the use of specialized systems like CT-SEDS (Connecticut Special Education Data System) to manage student data and resource allocation. The need to provide comprehensive, mandated services for students with diverse needs is the single largest factor driving the budget growth, placing considerable strain on town finances.
Funding Innovative Projects
While core operational and special education costs consume the majority of the budget, many of Manchester Public Schools’ more innovative projects and initiatives are funded through competitive grants. This reliance on external funding sources allows the district to pursue advancements in areas like technology and curriculum without further burdening the general fund.
Academic Progress and New Initiatives in MPS
Despite the financial challenges, Manchester Public Schools has reported significant and positive advancements in its academic performance and program offerings, demonstrating a commitment to 21st-century education.
Highest AP Scores Post-Pandemic
A major recent achievement for the district is the reported surge in Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores. Manchester High School students have collectively achieved their highest AP scores since before the disruption of the pandemic. This success highlights the effectiveness of the district's rigorous curricula and the dedication of both students and staff to high expectations.
Expansion of Dual Language Immersion Programs
Manchester Public Schools is actively expanding its Dual Language Immersion Programs, a key strategic advancement aimed at creating truly bilingual and biliterate students. The district has announced plans to expand its dual language offerings to include French in the upcoming school year, building on the success of existing programs. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to global readiness and cultural competence within the Manchester School District.
Focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE)
To ensure students are prepared for both college and career pathways, MPS continues to prioritize its Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. These programs are designed to provide students with engaging, real-world experiences that are essential for success in a rapidly changing labor market. The emphasis is on practical skills and vocational training alongside traditional academics.
Diversity, Staffing, and Community Partnerships
In addition to academics and finance, Manchester Public Schools is focusing heavily on its workforce diversity goals and strengthening community ties to support student success from early childhood through graduation.
Record Growth in Educator Diversity
For the 2025-2026 school year, Manchester Public Schools reported significant progress in diversifying its educator workforce. The district added 118 new hires, with a notable number of certified and non-certified staff identifying as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). This push is a direct response to the persistent gap between the diversity of the student body and the teaching staff, aiming to provide role models and culturally responsive education for all students.
While the district acknowledges that a gap between certified and noncertified staff diversity still exists, the overall growth in BIPOC representation is a positive indicator of the district’s recruitment strategies.
Comprehensive Early Childhood and After-School Support
The foundation of MPS’s educational structure is its robust Early Childhood Education programs, which are inclusive and located across the district, including the dedicated Manchester Preschool Center.
Furthermore, the district has solidified its community partnerships to offer comprehensive support outside of regular school hours. The Before & After School Program (BASP) is run in collaboration with the Manchester Early Learning Center (MELC), providing a safe and enriching environment for students before and after the school day. This partnership underscores the district’s commitment to supporting working families and ensuring a seamless educational experience.
The Future Outlook for Manchester Public Schools CT
Manchester Public Schools is clearly at a pivotal junction, balancing fiscal responsibility with ambitious educational goals. The 2025-2026 school year is set to be defined by how the administration manages the financial burden of special education while simultaneously expanding successful academic initiatives like the Dual Language Immersion and CTE programs.
The recent jump in AP scores and the focused effort on educator diversity provide a strong foundation for optimism. With a renewed contract for Superintendent Matthew Geary and a clear set of strategic priorities, the Manchester School District is poised to continue its pursuit of high-quality education, though success will depend heavily on sustained community support and careful financial stewardship of the approved budget.
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