Manchester Dems Nominate Ntem-Mensah For School Board Spot

MANCHESTER, CT — Kwasi Ntem-Mensah has been nominated to fill a vacancy on the Manchester Board of Education.

Ntem-Mensah was unanimously endorsed by the local Democratic Town Committee Tuesday evening to fill the empty seat left by Darryl Thames, who was elected town clerk in November. Ntem-Mensah is expected to officially take his place on the board at its Jan. 10 meeting.

Ntem-Mensah, 48, has wide ranging experience addressing the needs of children and families. He works as a Fatherhood Initiative Coordinator with the ECHN- Family Development Center's Healthy Families Healthy Babies program.

"Manchester is a town of diversity, beauty, and charm," Ntem-Mensah said. "I look forward to playing a strong role in continuing to move our public schools forward and serving as a voice for everyone in our community — irrespective of race, color, or religion. On the board, I will be intently focused on making certain our young people succeed, not only in the classroom, but in their lives as well."

Democratic Town Chairman Michael Pohl said, "We are fortune to have a person with Kwasi’s depth of experience and passion for supporting families to serve on this board. He will bring an important perspective to the table and help represent the remarkable diversity of our community."

In assuming Thames place on the board, Ntem-Mensah will serve a term that runs until 2023. Thames had served on the Board of Education since 2012, and his years on the board included time as secretary and most recently, chairman.

Ntem-Mensah and his wife have lived in Manchester since 2012 and they have three children. He is a graduate of Springfield College's Human Services program. He began his higher education studies at the University of Ghana in Ghana, where he pursued a degree in English and Religion. He holds Certification in School and Family Engagement from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is also certified through the Parents as Teachers program.