We urge Manchester voters to vote YES on Ballot Question #6 this fall.

Ballot Question #6 reads: “SHALL THE TOWN OF MANCHESTER REVISE SECTION 9-3 OF THE TOWN CHARTER TO ELIMINATE THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS?”

The responsibilities of leading a school district as large and complex as Manchester demand a professional with exceptional experience, knowledge, and leadership ability. To be eligible to serve as a superintendent in Connecticut, a person must hold a 093 certification, which requires years of advanced and costly education beyond a master’s degree.

Should Manchester’s current superintendent decide to move on, the likelihood that the next qualified leader—with all necessary credentials and experience—already lives in Manchester is slim. There are countless valid reasons why a highly qualified candidate might not be able to relocate to Manchester, from family obligations to housing or spousal employment. A residency requirement effectively eliminates many of the most capable individuals before they can even be considered.

This outdated provision means that if the Board of Education ever needed to conduct a superintendent search, the defining question would not be “Who is the most qualified to lead our schools?” but rather “Do you already live in Manchester—or are you willing to uproot your family to move here?” If the answer is no, that candidate is automatically excluded. Such a restriction severely limits our ability to attract, recruit, and retain the strongest educational leaders for our community.

Manchester’s educators—whether they live here or not—are deeply dedicated to our students’ success. Commitment to Manchester’s children is not determined by a home address; it’s demonstrated daily through leadership, integrity, and results.

Vote YES on Question #6 to ensure that Manchester’s schools can continue to be led by exceptional talent, chosen for their qualifications—not their zip code.