NORTH SMITHFIELD – Paul Zwolenski, candidate for town administrator, notes that the position requires experience and a multi-faceted, hands-on approach in order to assist in successfully preparing children, the future leaders of the town.
“The first pillar of my campaign is to ensure that our children receive a safe, inviting, and encouraging education experience,” Zwolenski said. “From 1998-2002, I served as a member on the School Building and Planning Committee. From that experience, as well other direct involvement with school initiatives and time on the Town Council, I have established strong working relationships with the School Committee and School Department. Unlike the past, we are now faced with unprecedented conditions where creating a warm environment that our students can thrive in is at the forefront of our minds.”
“I have a proven history of addressing pressing concerns and implementing solutions to problems that directly impact our education system here in North Smithfield,” Zwolenski added. “In the past and in an effort to protect the warm and safe environment that our town’s school system is known for, I studied, analyzed and participated in the special Town Council meeting to address water quality and water capacity concerns at North Smithfield Elementary School. Most recently out of concern for COVID-19, I supported funding for the complete overhaul of the North Smithfield Elementary School HVAC system.”
“I will not only continue to work with the School Department and the School Committee to meet the needs of our students but will partner with you, the parents of our children to combat the obstacles of COVID-19. Together we will partner with our School Department and School Committee efforts to put education first with an agile and flexible plan to combat the various unknown factors of the “new norm.” While COVID-19, has changed the traditional school day format, we are faced with a health crisis that if dismissed too easily, will lead to major health concerns for our students, their families, and the staff that facilitate educating our children.”
“As town administrator, I pledge the full support of town resources to our students and the education community. I will assist and follow directions of our health department, governor, school superintendent and School Committee to address health issues directly impacting our students and their families. It will not be easy but together we will work through this in the best interests of our children. We have successfully met and over came obstacles relating to our children’s’ education in the past and together we will do it again.”