Meriden Election 2023: Rob Kosienski Jr. Running For Board Of Ed

MERIDEN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Meriden with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for Mayor, City Council, Board of Education and more.

Meriden Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Rob Kosienski Jr., 53, is running for re-election to the Meriden Board of Education as a Republican. He is also endorsed by the We the People party.

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.facebook.com/profi...

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

At Large/ Citywide

Please give us your party affiliation.

GOP/ We the People (dual endorsed)

Education.

I attended all Meriden Public Schools, starting with Thomas Hooker, Washington Middle school and Maloney High School. I then at MXCTC and CCSU.

What is your occupation?

Director of Constituent Services

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My family has been in Meriden since 1908, when my Grandparents immigrated from Poland. They had 13 Children, and my Dad, Retired Chief of Police Robert Kosienski, Sr. is the youngest.He served the Meriden Police Department for 40 years! My mother, Rosemarie Milardo Kosienski was born in Middletown. Her parents immigrated from Mililli, Sicily. She was an underwriter at the Travelers Company and then a Bilingual Tutor for the Meriden Public Schools. Together, they raised three children, Cheryl, Robby and Vicky. Cheryl has two amazing kids who are very successful in life, and an amazing grandson named Elliott. Vicky is in Florida, enjoying retirement with her husband and son. I'm so very proud of my family and their commitment and love of Meriden.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Retired Chief Robert E. Kosienski, Retired Chief of Police 40 years (father) Rosemarie Milardo Kosienski (deceased) Meriden Public Schools (Jefferson and Lincoln).

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes, I've had the honor to be elected several times to the Board of Education.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

The Meriden Public Schools were very good to me as a student, and now, working on behalf of the schools has become my life's work. Our district is doing remarkable things for students.....highest test scores in district history, award winning curriculum, award winning music, art and sports programs. We navigated the most successfully during the pandemic than most other districts in the State of Connecticut. We were able to give families choices to come to school, or take classes via Teams video. Together with our friends in the unions. We all work together very well, understanding that a team reaches great goals together, and Meriden has seen the benefits of partnerships with the unions, the Meriden Police and the City Parks Department. We have a Edison Middle School back in within MPS, savings hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, new North End Ball fields for Washington Middle School, New pavilions for outdoor class space, new elementary playground at John Barry, dozens of new hires to deal specifically with our at risk students, ensuring that they have the emotional and educational support they need. We support all students all of the time, in Meriden all students succeed.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Quality of life. Good schools are essential to every community and we are one of the best districts in the state.

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

We have proven success, accountability and results. Highest district scores in district history, safe schools, a tech savvy district, award winning academic programs, award winning sports programs and nationally recognized music and arts programs.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

High expectations for all students, admission to our nation's top colleges, Highest scores in district history, 27 advanced placement (AP) Diverse Student Centered District. Personalized Learning Experience for High School Students, Middle School Students Earn High School Credits, High School Students earn college degree's, 1:1Tech Savvy District, A vast array of music, arts, sports and extra curricular activities, competitive sports programs, enrichment programs, award winning certified nursing assistant programs, community partnerships, award winning music and art programs. We will run on PROVEN SUCCESS!

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

The past four years have been some of the most challenging. I was sworn in December, and on March 14th 2020 Covid hit, and it's been a roller coaster since. We set up a virtual district with our unions in a day, and were ready by Monday morning to go live. Our Supt of Schools Dr. Benigni has been the most collaborative with our Board. With some ingenuity, we were able to play sports, have in person and virtual classes happening at the same time. We had student musicals in Hubbard Park, outside concerts and so much more! Being a Board of Education Member isn't just showing up at several meetings per week, it's also showing up and participating at events in our schools. It means rolling up your sleeves at the cookout and working, it means chaperoning. The students know me, and I am so honored that they call me "Mr. K". I love these kids and want them to succeed in every way possible.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be yourself, listen, learn and always put others first. That came from my parents. I do this everyday.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Yes. I care and will always do what is best for our students. Politics or radical social programs have no place in our schools. I will always be there for the students of Meriden, no matter the results of the election. All Meriden students will have opportunities to succeed in school and in life. We need to be there to support them in every way possible. Please, give "Mr. K" -me, another 4 years to do great things for our schools. Thank you!

Are you running for office in Meriden? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on Meriden Patch.