South Kingstown Election Profile: Paula Bradley

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Paula Bradley is running for the South Kingstown School Committee. The 44-year-old Independent is a newcomer to elected office and has lived in the town for more than two decades.

Bradley and her husband, Brian, have two sons: Landon, 15, and Talan, 13.

"They are all avid soccer players, and I am their biggest fan," she said.

Bradley has a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Rhode Island and has worked for a family-owned executive search firm in South Kingstown for the past eight years, serving as the research director. Before her current role, she worked in product development and marketing for such companies as Swarovski and Nine West Group.

Campaign website

Why are you seeking elective office?

My reason for running for elected office is simple: I’m doing it for the kids. I believe in strong public schools and I understand how they are essential to a thriving community. I would be honored to be a part of the continued growth and development of public education in South Kingstown. For me, serving on the school committee would provide a unique opportunity to make a real difference for the children in South Kingstown.

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

As a family we continue to practice social distancing, wear masks when out in public, and keep our social circles small and consistent. We have always been a “wash your hands” when you get home family. We have respected the parameters requested of us in order to keep people as healthy and safe as possible.

From a community perspective, our personal economic impact within the community has decreased due to our new pandemic lifestyle. We recognize that and do what we can to support our local businesses, recognizing that when our small local businesses thrive, our community thrives. In terms of my campaign, it was important to me to support local businesses for my campaign needs.

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?

I do believe that systemic racism is a problem. Events over the last months have caused us to challenge ourselves, to recognize that uncomfortable feeling as we seek to actively remove our unconscious bias. I want a South Kingstown that is inclusive, fair, just, and equitable and it starts with our youngest community members. We have a responsibility to raise our children with respect for all individuals, looking at people for their integrity and their character.

We have a responsibility as educators and school committee members to ensure we are teaching a curriculum that includes the history, contributions, and culture of people of color. It is impossible to truly understand our country’s history without recognizing the critical role race relations have played throughout our history. If elected, I will advocate for equitable learning opportunities for all students in every policy and every program, also recognizing that how we do this takes time and action.

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?

I believe one of the most important aspects of a solid, well-rounded school committee is to have a committee that represents diversity of thought. That diversity can come in many different forms- whether it’s gender, race, education, or experience.

While my professional experience is not in education, I believe my experience in the private sector brings a fresh, needed perspective to the table. My previous experience working for large blue-chip organizations and now working for a South Kingstown based, family-owned business brings a very different skill set and viewpoint to the table. I’ve learned the importance of acting like an owner, where every decision I make affects the top and the bottom line. I see my value in bringing this diversity of thought and collaborative discussions to the school committee table. Multiple mindsets coming together can often provide better solutions.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The school committee has lost the trust of the community and I believe that I can be a part of the process of regaining that trust. As I have progressed with my school committee campaign, it has become painfully obvious where our biggest problem is. Our community is divided, and that divide is making it difficult to get anything accomplished. I see a tremendous opportunity for the next school committee to help mend the deep divide that exists in our town.

Building trust is not easy but transparency and communication are where we must begin. Transparency and communication create grace and allows a community to better navigate through the inevitable painful points and stumbles. There will be mistakes, and mistakes are allowed, but we need to own them and learn from them in order to move forward.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

The school committee has opportunities for positive improvement that can directly influence the quality of our student’s education. For me, it’s about investing my energy to make a commitment for positive change. My focus is on three pillars:

Student-Centered: While decisions should be made with the best interests of the entire community in mind, our focus should always be centered on the students. Not all students follow the same path in life. Public education should offer opportunities to support both college-prep and vocational paths. South Kingstown schools should provide a challenging education to encourage the development of critical thinking, civic participation, and life skills regardless of a student’s chosen pathway.

Transparency: Over-communication should be our goal. There is a strong, unmet need for increased transparency and greater communication being voiced by parents, students, teachers, and community members. Productive conversations require leaders that actively listen to understand. Progress towards community-supported goals requires transparent decision-making that involves stakeholders from all segments of the community.

Fiscal Responsibility: We are at a critical juncture, planning for major school facility improvements that will change the way education is delivered and possibly change the infrastructure of our town. The concept of “fiscal responsibility” needs to be embraced. It is essential to creating a better future for our community. We need to be proactive in our financial planning. Long-term, strategic visioning for our schools should not only deliver educational excellence but also allow for operational efficiencies.

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

I spent my early career in product marketing roles in well-known corporations. Once my first child was born, I stepped away from that career and enjoyed the opportunity to raise my two children. When they started school, I found a job that eventually became my career. I learned a new business, from the ground up, taking in everything I could from the talented people surrounding me. I started as a part-time employee and now I am a member of the company’s leadership team.

I am a person that takes action when I see an opportunity to improve. I am process-driven and think through problems strategically. I believe positive change in South Kingstown will take leaders who are open-minded, respect differing opinions, are thoughtful and intentional, and have the courage to make difficult, and sometimes unpopular decisions.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

When you step outside your comfort zone, that is where the magic happens.

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

I believe that elected officials have a responsibility to be respectful and transparent, seizing every opportunity to educate the community on the impact of each decision made. I am not afraid to stand up for what is right, to ask meaningful questions, and to engage in collaborative, productive discussions to come to an agreement. My commitment is to listen to all citizens, not just the most vocal. I recognize that rebuilding the trust that has been broken in our community will be vital to moving forward in shared collaboration. If elected to the South Kingstown School Committee, my focus will be to do what is in the best interest of the students, the district, and the community.