Biographical Note
Joseph Manch was born in Lamza, Poland, on January 1, 1910. When he was six years old, Manch’s father took up rabbinical duties, and moved the family to Niagara Falls, New York.
Manch attended School No. 32 and Hutchinson-Central High School in Buffalo. He received three degrees from the University of Buffalo: B.A. in 1932, M.A. in 1940, and Ph.D. in Education in 1955. During his student days at the University of Buffalo, Manch was a champion wrestler, boxer, track man, and football player, as well as a class poet. He was inducted to the University of Buffalo Athletics Hall of Fame in 1979.
In 1932, Manch took his first teaching job at the Kohut School for Boys in Westchester County. He taught there for two years before returning to Buffalo. After teaching English at several high schools (Bennett High, Seneca Vocational High, South Park High, Kensington High, and Veterans Evening High), Manch received first his administrative post as a Director of Guidance in 1948. In 1953, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personal Services. Two years later, he became Associate Superintendent for School Community Coordination.
At the age of 47, Manch was named Superintendent of the Buffalo Public Schools. He held the position until his retirement in June 1975. Manch was superintendent of the one of the largest school systems in New York during the urbanism and civil rights movements. His idea of developing vocational schools later got nation-wide attention and he made efforts to integrate Buffalo public schools throughout his term. His tenure was not without controversy, however; issues such as delaying school integration, inadequate behaviors of Mrs. Slominski (School Board member), a lawsuit against Philip Patti (Principal of School No. 64), and Manch's exclusive extended re-appointment for the Superintendency were raised during his term.
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On June 1988, Manch died in Buffalo General Hospital at the age of 78.