Manchester Election 2023: David M. Eisenthal, Board of Education

MANCHESTER, CT — David M. Eisenthal is running for a seat on the Manchester Board of Education in the 2023 election.

Name

David M. Eisenthal

How old will you be as of Election Day?

61

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.manchesterctdems.i...

What city or town do you live in?

Manchester

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education (re-election)

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

Bachelor of Arts, Clark University; Master in Public Policy, Harvard University

What is your occupation?

Municipal Advisor, 34 years

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Sandra Dickerson, Wife; Alex Eisenthal, Son (26), Jack Eisenthal, Son (24).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Manchester Board of Education, incumbent, elected 2021; West Brookfield, Massachusetts Board of Selectmen, elected 2008 and served to 2011; Framingham, Massachusetts Permanent Building Committee, appointed 1991 and served to 1995; Sharon, Massachusetts School Committee (Board of Education), elected 1984 and served to 1987.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking re-election to the Manchester Board of Education because I want to continue working for Manchester’s future. I believe in the value of public education for all of Manchester's children - and for the community. I have the skills and experience to be an effective voice for public education in Manchester.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Continuing to help the public schools to recover from the pandemic. I have supported measures to improve attendance, achievement, and the learning environment in the schools - and I will continue to do so.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My two years of experience as a vocal and active Board member combined with my background in public finance and local government sets me apart from other candidates running for the Board of Education. With my urging and support, the administration of the Manchester Public Schools has implemented a multi-year financial planning tool, a tool that has already informed budget discussions and should support an even stronger case for additional financial resources in the future.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I will continue - before and after the election - to advocate for the financial and other resources needed to maintain quality education in Manchester and to address ongoing issues with student absenteeism, achievement levels and gaps, and mental health. As part of a racially diverse family, I resolutely support efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Manchester Public Schools – and more generally in the Town. I believe that such efforts benefit the entire Manchester community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Over my past two years on the Board, the administration of the Manchester Public Schools has implemented a multi-year financial planning tool with my urging and support. This tool has already informed budget discussions and should support an even stronger case for additional financial resources in the future. I will also say that I have more than three decades of professional experience working with local governments on financial issues. I understand how local government works. In addition, I served three years on the School Board in Sharon, Massachusetts and I served three years on the Board of Selectmen in West Brookfield, Massachusetts. My latter service included a period as Chair of the Board.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Follow your passion.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Two years ago, I said that I would work conscientiously for the kids of Manchester - and the entire community. I believe that I have done this; I will continue this work if I am re-elected.