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September 21. 2012 12:26AM

Central principal tells parents school is improving

MANCHESTER — The principal of one of the Manchester high schools dealing with crowded classrooms has written to Hooksett parents to tell them things are getting better.

Ronald Mailhot, principal of Manchester High School Central, said in a letter to Hooksett parents that “the vast majority of concerns have been addressed and fully resolved.”

The Hooksett School Board has threatened to initiate formal procedures to stop sending the town’s high school students to Central. Some parents have also complained that seniors have had a difficult time meeting with guidance counselors to make sure that they are on track to graduate.

Mailhot told the parents that the class size issues in the school are being addressed, noting the addition of full-time faculty in English and Math and a part-time teacher in Spanish. He also said guidance councilors are once again meeting with students by appointment after dealing with class scheduling issues.

Efforts are also underway to re-establish the Central Parent’s Organization. That effort has drawn attention from the group of advocates who want the city to spend more money on its schools.

Citizens for Manchester Schools is planning a rally in support of the city schools, Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. at Veteran’s Park.

Organizer Jim O’Connell spoke to a meeting of Central parents this week, urging them to attend the rally to show support for the schools.

“It is intended to send the message that the current situation is not acceptable,” O’Connell said. “There is too much hand-wringing and finger-pointing between the school board and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.”

The rally will include speakers and events for children such as face-painting to encourage parents to attend with their broods.

O’Connell says his group is looking to a long-term answer.

“The solution will involve more than just pouring money at the problem,” he said. “Our solution will involve many things, a re-examination at the way in which education is delivered in Manchester.”

Donna Morin, a Hooksett mother with children at Central, has taken to Internet discussion groups to encourage other Hooksett parents to attend Saturday’s rally.

“It is tiresome to hear parents over and over complain, but then not do anything about it,” Morin told the New Hampshire Union Leader.“You don’t have to reschedule your whole life; if you’re not doing anything else, just show up.”Morin says the relationship between communities may be worth saving.

“I’m really happy with Central,” she said.

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Bill Smith may be reached at wsmith@unionleader.com.

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