Manchester Election 2023: Kwasi Ntem-Mensah​, School Board

MANCHESTER, CT — Kwasi Ntem-Mensah is running for a seat on the Manchester Board of Education in the 2023 election.

Name

Kwasi Ntem-Mensah

How old will you be as of Election Day?

50 years 7 months

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?

Manchester Board of Education

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

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

BSc-Human Services Springfield College; Cert-Family and Community Engagement (HGSE);

What is your occupation?

Fathering Initiative Coordinator- 7 years

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

I am married to a lovely lady, Trudy who is a Social Worker. Between us we have 3 children: Francis (17), Vida (15) and Portia (12). I am also an uncle with a lot of lovely nephews and nieces.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Appointed 2022-2023 (Manchester Board of Education)

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?

Our children need the necessary tools to face today's challenges and more importantly the future. Education, be it formal, informal, academic, or practical, remains a key tool to confront and overcome these ever-evolving challenges. Concerns must be listened to and addressed while tapping and developing the diverse talents of our youth. I seek to be that youth advocate and parental voice on the board that will push for these structural developments in education.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is reading proficiency and this what i ntend to do about it. To address this issue will be a three pronged approach: children (students) must be encouraged and motivated to come to school on a daily basis to afford teachers the opportunity to tutor them. Again, schools as buildings must be inviting and welcoming to students (almost all elementary schools in Manchester are renovated). Finally, educators duly motivated to give off their best(work in progress).

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

The major differences are that I am in touch with the parents and citizens of Manchester as i am constantly volunteering at community events; I have always advocated for students and offered suggestions; I
relate with the youth and offer a listening ear and guidance; my work with Fathers and families as a Fathering Consultant; being a graduate of HGSE Family Engagement program and also being a strong advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion and adaptability. Finally I am a father, a husband and a community servant.

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?

To continue to ask for parental and community support to enable the board of education serve the children qualitatively.

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

The data on school reading proficiecy has shifted towards the better indicating that strides are being made; Chronic absenteeism is on the decline with amassive rduction the past school year; Graduation rates from MHS are on the increase; The success of summer Flight program at MHS that earned statewide recognition; the success of the CTE program at MHS where students earn certification for jobs before they can officially start amongst others.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To give it my best and do it passionately devoid of race or color and leave a positive legacy.

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

I identify with and value the partnership bewteen parents, educators and the community in seeking the genral well-being of our children. I am an immigrant and I love the Great Town of Manchester.