On Tuesday, the town of Hooksett will vote whether to approve a contract with Pinkerton Academy in Derry. If voters approve the deal, it could spell the end for the town’s century-long relationship with Manchester schools.
In December, the Hooksett School Board signed a ten year deal to send its students to Pinkerton Academy. Now voters must approve the deal. Trisha Korkosz, the current board chair, says their kids aren’t getting the best education from Manchester.
“They deserve the very best education that we can provide to them. And right now that is not, unfortunately, Manchester. And that is very hard for me to say. I’m an alumni of Central High School, but just because it was what I received does not mean it is what is best for my child.”
Korkosz, who’s up for reelection on Tuesday, has been a proponent of the agreement with Pinkerton, citing their academic standards. But some board members disagree with the contract which would eventually require a minimum of ninety percent of Hooksett’s high schoolers to attend the Derry school. And Manchester’s Mayor Ted Gatsas has threatened legal action.
On Tuesday, the town will also vote on a district budget, building maintenance issues and school board candidates.