MANCHESTER – This year’s Board of Education election on November 3 is between two teams of three candidates seeking three-year terms.
This article will focus on the “Manchester Kids First” slate that includes incumbent Timothy Poss and challengers Paula Nowakowski and Steven Giordano. Poss was appointed to the school board in 2023 after the resignation of Ken Pate. Another article will focus on the “Putting Kids First” slate of Board incumbents Gloria Adkinson and Laura Wingler, and challenger Paula Ann Fazio.
The Manchester Times contacted both teams with questions about their background, reasons for running, what they hope to bring to the table and what the most crucial issues facing the school district are and how they would address those issues.
Poss said he was seeking another term on the Board “because I care deeply about this community and the future of our students. I am a proud Manchester Township High School graduate and the father of two children attending our district, so the decisions made by the Board are personal to me. I also volunteer and coach youth sports in Manchester because I believe in giving back to our kids and our community.”
“Since joining the Board, I have asked difficult questions, pushed for accountability, and worked to balance the needs of our students with our responsibility to taxpayers. I didn’t join the Board simply to agree with everyone. I was elected to use my own judgment and make difficult decisions when I believe they are necessary. I will never avoid a difficult decision simply because it may be unpopular.”
Poss said his aim was to strengthen “academics, protecting sports and extracurricular activities, supporting our teachers and staff, and making sure parents have a meaningful voice. We also need to work with Manchester’s governing body and look for responsible ways to protect our school budget while recognizing the financial pressures facing seniors and other taxpayers.”
He added that his experience in “law enforcement, business, public service, coaching, parenting, and now serving on the Board gives me a broad perspective. I want to continue putting that experience to work for Manchester’s students and families.”
“I bring experience from several different parts of my life that I think applies directly to serving on the Board. As a police lieutenant, I have experience in leadership, communication, public-sector budgeting, problem-solving, and dealing with difficult situations. As a small business owner, I understand accountability, financial planning, administration, and what it means to make responsible decisions with limited resources,” Poss said.
When asked about the primary issues facing the school district the candidate responded that the “biggest issues facing the Board are maintaining strong academics, managing our finances responsibly, protecting student opportunities, supporting our teachers and staff, and improving communication and transparency.”
“We need to look at academic results, understand where students need additional help, and make sure resources are going where they will have the greatest impact. I also strongly believe in protecting sports, clubs, arts, music, and extracurricular activities. They are an important part of the school experience and give kids opportunities to develop confidence, discipline, creativity, leadership, and a connection to their schools.
Poss noted, “to be realistic about the financial challenges facing the district. Transportation, healthcare, salaries, and other costs continue to put pressure on the budget. We need to look carefully at spending and hiring decisions and consider not just what something costs today, but what it will cost the district in the years ahead.”
“We also need to support our teachers and staff. That means listening to them, giving them the resources they need to do their jobs, and creating an environment where good employees want to stay in Manchester and we need to communicate better. Parents and residents should understand why major decisions are being made and have a real opportunity to be heard.”
Regarding his prior run, Poss explained, “When I previously ran with two of the current incumbents, we shared several goals and believed we could work together for Manchester’s students. During my time on the Board, however, it became clear that we had developed different priorities and approaches, particularly when it came to transparency, accountability, spending, parental involvement, and student opportunities.”
He added, “there is no personal animosity involved. People can serve together and still develop different opinions about what the district needs moving forward. I chose to run with Paula Nowakowski and Steven Giordano because we share many of the same priorities and believe we can work well together while still thinking independently.”
“As far as political endorsements, my position has been consistent: I believe Board of Education elections should remain nonpartisan. I have been disappointed to see political organizations become involved in this year’s race. Manchester Kids First has not received and would not accept a formal endorsement from any political club. We welcome support from Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated residents. This is a school board election, and our focus should be Manchester’s students,” he added.
He said there were “differences regarding spending, hiring, and long-term financial planning that influenced my decision to run with a different team. As a lifelong Manchester resident and graduate of Manchester Township High School, my connection to this district goes back many years. Manchester Kids First is also the only team in this race with candidates who have children presently enrolled in Manchester Township schools. That gives our team a direct and current understanding of how Board decisions affect students and families every day.”
“One of my concerns has been making sure that new positions and other long-term financial commitments are necessary and sustainable,” he said. “My concerns about spending and long-term financial planning have also been reflected in my voting record. I have voted against a district budget when I did not believe it was financially responsible or sustainable. I don’t take those decisions lightly, but I was elected to exercise independent judgment, ask difficult questions, and consider the long-term impact of the decisions we make.
“These differences are about policy and priorities, not personalities. I chose to run with Paula and Steven because we share a commitment to responsible spending, transparency, accountability, protecting student opportunities and putting Manchester’s students first,” Poss added.
Nowakowski said if elected she would “bring a unique perspective as both a parent and a teacher in the district. I understand and care deeply about the needs of students, staff, families and residents. I am fair minded and a good listener. I know people want to feel heard.”
“As a resident in the district for 34 years I raised two daughters that went through the school system successfully. Between private pre-school teaching, short- and long-term subbing in every school, volunteering in the community and a 24-year position as an art teacher at Regional Day School I have taught every grade level from pre-kindergarten to age 21. I want the students to succeed and the teachers to feel supported in that endeavor.”
She added the main issues facing the district are “strong academics and relevant curriculum. Responsible spending, accountability and transparency. Supporting teachers, staff and parent’s needs. Protecting sports, the arts and extracurricular activities.”
Giordano said he wants to serve on the Board “so I can be more involved in our children’s educational journey. I think between my past experiences as well as being the parent of two Manchester students, I have both the practical skills to tackle tough problems and a parent’s view of what’s working in our schools and what isn’t.
“I think some of the biggest challenges facing Manchester are declining enrollment, rising costs, special education needs, and making sure we are getting our fair share of state funding. We need to make sure we are taking care of our teachers and staff and keeping the focus on what’s best for the students. I think the board’s job is to look at those issues together and make responsible decisions that protect the quality of education while being responsible with taxpayers’ money,” he added.
“As a proud veteran, I answered the call to serve my country, and in running for school board, I believe that willingness to serve when I see a need is something that will benefit the students of Manchester,” Giordano added.
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