Incumbent School Board Chair Tsonos has Opponent – Michael Budziszek

East Providence School Committee chairman, Charles Tsonos will face political newcomer, Michael Budziszek this November in a challenge to retain his seat. Budziszek is an associate professor and Biology program lead at Johnson & Wales University in the Science Department. Budziszek’s campaign issued a statement with his formal declaration for the Ward One school board seat held by Charlie Tsonos, Ward One.

“In his role at Johnson & Wales, Michael has been an integral part of both program and building designs, charged with ensuring proper development of and measurement of student outcomes in his role as Chair of the College of Arts and Sciences Outcomes Assessment and member of the University Outcomes Assessment committees. As a science professor, one of his main motivations for running for School Committee is to safely help the academic body navigate the future challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis.

“Budziszek has lived in East Providence for 11 years, is married, and has twin girls enrolled at Myron J. Francis Elementary School. He has lived in Rhode Island since 1994, coming here as the son in a Navy family when his father accepted a position in the Department of Defense in Middletown. He completed his Masters and Doctoral degrees at the University of Rhode Island, focusing on molecular biology, biochemistry, plant sciences, environmental sciences, and education.

“As the Ward 1 School Committee representative, Michael will bring a wealth of knowledge from the worlds of both science and education. As a father of two young girls in the school system, he is invested in being the kind of leader dedicated to the best outcomes for the students, teachers, and community.”

“I decided to run for school committee as I have always believed that our future, the future of a successful and prosperous economy and society, starts with proper investment in our public education system and it’s infrastructures, our children, and teachers. I want to help champion the needs of both students and teachers in East Providence. I also want to make sure that as we send our children back to school in the Fall, that we have established safe protocols to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and any future infectious agents.

I also believe that no child shall go without any of the basic needs to be a successful and prepared student. I have worked with schools in the past, and also presently, to build food gardens to nourish body and mind. I believe that we need to reconnect with how our food is produced and also develop a stronger connection to the environment. This, I feel is how we strengthen our community. In addition, one of my goals is to assist in the possible need to pivot to remote learning in the upcoming academic year as we monitor the spread of the coronavirus. As an educator and scientist, I believe I am well suited for this endeavor.” - Michael Budziszek Statement