MANCHESTER - The Manchester Board of School Committee cancelled its scheduled meeting Friday with members of the Hooksett School Board in response to that board's filing of a breach of contract claim.

Manchester superintendent Tom Brennan sent a letter to Hooksett administrators saying the neighboring town’s decision to formally file a notice of breach left Manchester no option but to respond formally.

“We feel that a conversation at this time would be unproductive and would interfere with the formal process,” Brennan wrote.

Brennan said Manchester intends to address Hooksett’s claims after reviewing the matter with the district’s legal counsel, then give a written response disputing there is any breach of contract.

Hooksett claims that overcrowding in classrooms qualifies as a breach of contract and wants a release from the arrangement that tuitions Hooksett students to Manchester schools.

Brennan said Manchester would be willing to reschedule a joint meeting if Hooksett withdraws its notice of breach.