Principal, program directors among district’s new faces

Superintendent of Schools Debra Livingston has named the next principal of Hallsville Elementary School, as well as the director of student services, and the director of adult and community learning. The Board of School Committee officially approved the new hires at last night’s regular meeting.

Hallsville’s new principal is Bonnie Skogsholm, most recently assistant principal at Captain Samuel Douglass Academy in Brookline, New Hampshire. She was an elementary classroom teacher in kindergarten through grade five for more than 20 years prior to becoming an administrator in Brookline.

Skogsholm describes one of her strengths as being able to lead and facilitate support for every child’s learning needs. Her resume highlights many qualifications related to math and literacy curriculum, special education and school improvement.

“I am excited to start the school year in Manchester and help Hallsville continue its efforts toward high achievement,” said Skogsholm. “The students, staff and parents have a lot to celebrate. They are committed to success, and so am I.”

The newly appointed director of student services comes to Manchester from the same position in Candia. Nash Reddy will be responsible for the school district’s special education program, maintaining and monitoring the records of all students receiving services. She will supervise special education staff across the district and serve as advocate for the needs of Manchester’s special education students at the state and national levels.

"As an educational leader, I believe the unique learning needs of one child spur the solutions to meeting the learning needs of all students,” Reddy said. “I look forward to providing Manchester School District professionals with the support they require to help every student reach his or her potential."

Reddy has a master’s degree in education and has a post-master’s education specialist degree in educational administration supervision. Her previous professional experience includes time as an assistant principal in Newport, New Hampshire, and a special education teacher in Contoocook and Weare.

Barbara Gardner is the new director of adult and community learning, charged with managing all of the educational programs offered to non-traditional students in the district. Those include adult basic education, citizenship, adult English learners, and adult high school. Gardner will collaborate with members of the business and higher education communities to develop and promote resources for learning.

“I am aware that barriers exist for some of our students,” Gardner said. “My goal is to ignite a passion that creates an environment to make learning a top priority and promote high achievement.”

Her educational philosophy includes the belief that educators must maintain high expectations and give students the opportunity to maximize their potential to excel.

Gardner has worked for the school district in other roles since 2012, most recently as the Academy of Finance instructor at Manchester School of Technology. Part of the Running Start program, the Academy of Finance exposes high school students to various business careers, offers paid internship opportunities, and provides college credit for those who successfully complete the course.  

“Manchester is fortunate to welcome these talented new leaders to the school district,” Dr. Livingston said. “Their contributions to education in our city will support the work we do every day to reach the high quality standards we’ve set.”