Bristol-Warren Election Profile: Brian Bradshaw

BRISTOL-WARREN, RI — Brian Bradshaw is running a re-election campaign for his seat on the Bristol-Warren Regional School Committee. The 43-year-old currently serves as the committee's treasurer.

Bradshaw holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida and has worked as an electronics engineer for the past two decades. He and his wife have two daughters in middle school, another in college and a cat, Munchkin.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am proud of the work I have done on the committee over the past four years. We brought in a new Superintendent with a fresh perspective and a drive to make Bristol Warren one of the best districts in the state. That transformation is just starting and I would like to continue the work we've begun and see the district achieve the greatness I know it deserves.

What do you believe should be done to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and what would you do to lessen its economic impacts?

As an Engineer, I understand the importance of science. I also know to listen to those that have more knowledge and experience on a subject than I do. The first thing we need to do to contain the coronavirus pandemic is listen to our experts and follow their directions. Our number one priority as a School Committee should be ensuring the safety of our students and staff. If that means social distancing and wearing a mask in public, then that's what we need to do. If that means we need to start the year in a distance learning posture, then that's what we need to do. We see the devastation caused by reopening too soon. We see it in Florida, where I went to school. We can do better. During this pandemic, we've seen how livelihoods have been affected. We've seen what happens when hard-working Bristolians lose their sources of income. As a district, we provided breakfast and lunch to our families during the Spring. It is important to recognize ways that we can continue to support our teachers and students, and their families during this difficult time.

Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in America generally and Rhode Island specifically, and if so, what would you do to combat it?

Racism is absolutely a problem in America. I think the biggest thing we can do to combat racism is to listen to one another with an open mind, talk about our experiences and enact policies and procedures that are equitable. It's important that we not only focus on our children's IQ but their EQ as well. Understanding, empathy and compassion are characteristics that we must instill and foster at an early age.

Should the words "Providence Plantations" be removed from the state's name?

Yes

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Four years ago I ran for a seat on the School Committee as a parent who wanted to ensure this district provided the best education for all of our children. My motivation has not changed in the last four years. I'm still a parent who wants to ensure this district is providing the best education for all of our children. But what sets me apart from the other candidates is that I've had the opportunity to help shape the direction our district is heading. While I can say that I've helped shape the district, I have only been doing so for the past four years. I haven't been on the committee long enough to be committed to the history of how it's always been done. I'm in a unique position that the experience I have is just enough to help inform my decisions moving forward, however, I still bring a fresh perspective to the committee and approach new challenges with an open-mindedness that allows for continuous improvement.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Call your mother.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

The part of my job on the School Committee that I have enjoyed the most is my involvement with the students. For the past four years I have attended concerts, sporting events, plays, science fairs, and anything else that showcases the talent of our students. I've attended the first and last day of school so that I could welcome the students back, or wish them a fun and enjoyable Summer. It's important that our students know that as a member of the School Committee, I support them in everything they do. Their accomplishments in and out of the classroom inspire me to continue working hard on their behalf.