2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Chris Pattacini, Manchester Board Of Education

MANCHESTER, CT — Chris Pattacini is running for a Board of Education position in Manchester.

Candidate's Name:
Chris Pattacini

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Manchester

Campaign Website
https://www.manchesterctdems.i...

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
Management Consultant (27 years)

Family:
Wife Melissa (McCray) born and raised in Manchester, three children that are all graduates of the Manchester Public School System

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes, I've served on Manchester's the board of education since 2008, serving as Board Chair for many of those years.

Why are you seeking this office?
To continue the work we've set out to do: helping ensure that all of Manchester's schools are welcoming, and all students have an opportunity to thrive.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Ensuring that all Manchester students graduate prepared to either further their education, or start their career. I will continue to support policies that enable Manchester's schools students have the skills they need to be successful. That includes providing both strong writing, reading and math programs and supports as well as for soft skills such as being curious and empathetic, exhibiting grit and determination and generally being life long learners and contributing members of society.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My experience: I have served on the board since 2008 and served as chair for ten of those years. I've helped drive the district forward, both in terms of helping get schools renovated and also driving successful outcomes for students.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I would like us to not only improve education outcomes, but do it in a way that ensures we have something for every child that keeps them engaged, and wanting to attend school and learn, whether it's art and music or athletics, or any number of vocational programs and student activities, I believe having a comprehensive program means that there is something for every child - helping ensure each student is as successful as they can be.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Having served on the board and as chair, we've made great progress improving student outcomes, and investing in our schools. Thanks to community support of multiple bond referenda, we were able to renovate our elementary schools on time and on budget - making sure that investment was well spent. At the same time, we continue to drive improved education outcomes, and make Manchester a progressive, forward thinking district that supports all students.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Show up on time, and listen more than you speak. We get better solutions when everyone is heard.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
While we don't currently have children in the school district, all three of our children attended and graduated from the Manchester Public Schools, and soon, so will our grandchildren!