Manchester Election 2023: Audra Ricci, Board of Education

MANCHESTER, CT — Audra Ricci is running for a Manchester Board of Education seat in the November election.

Name

Audra Ricci

How old will you be as of Election Day?

55

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

What city or town do you live in?

Manchester

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

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

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Master of Science in Physical Therapy

What is your occupation?

Physical Therapist

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

I am married with 5 daughters

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

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

no

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?

As a Physical Therapist and a Mom of 3 daughters, I understand the importance of education and its impact on shaping young minds. I come from a family of educators and school administrators and have true admiration for those who choose these professions. We moved to Manchester in 2020 but I have been actively involved in this community since 2013 when I opened my practice. This gave me the unique opportunity to work closely with Manchester's parents, students, educators and other school staff. Over the last 10 years I heard many residents and staff members express frustration with the Manchester Public School district. The complaints are all similar and focus on dissatisfactory administrative support, an increasingly top heavy distribution of budget dollars and ineffective disciplinary practices that lead to constant classroom disruption. I decided to get involved and work to improve things in the district for the benefit of all of our students. Now that my kids are grown, I have the time to dedicate to improving the outcomes for all of Manchester's kids, and providing our excellent educators with the support and appreciation they deserve.

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

Our school district has been in the bottom 10 districts in the state for years. We know that we have excellent educators and above average programming. Only 20% of our kids are performing math at grade level and 30% of our kids are reading at grade level. We also spend 18% of our budget on central office, while the state average is 4%. I believe we can redirect funds from the central office budget back to the classrooms. This way we can provide teachers the help they need to manage the classrooms, control behavior issues and perform their primary task and teach our children.

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

I am not a politician. I am a concerned mom that feels terrible that so many of our kids are being left behind. I have so many friends who are teachers in the district. I want to be their voice. I want to advocate for their needs and foster a district where teachers are heard and respected.

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?

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

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Anything is possible if you work hard enough and keep moving in the right direction!

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

I really think a local school board should not be partisan. Some districts in CT have a BOE in which members do not list their political affiliations. Education, and providing the best environment for our children and teachers is nothing to argue over.