March 28, 2024

EP School Board Vetting Legal Services

"RFP Sent to List of School Board Lawyers."

Posted

June 1st Deadline for Responses

The East Providence School Committee voted 3-2 in executive session last month to send out a Request For Proposal (RFP) to seek legal counsel. The vote came after the conclusion of the public school committee meeting of Tuesday, May 10th. While the vote was taken in private, it was reported out in public as required by law, but after the cable cameras were off for the evening and most observers had left the room.

It is not unusual for school committees to go out to bid seeking legal counsel for themselves and for school staff. It is a bit unusual, however, that long time board attorney, Robert Silva may have to reapply to keep his firm in East Providence schools. Silva may indeed be retained as the board's attorney but his firm will have to submit a proposal which, among other things, will have to outline fees he will charge the city schools. Other firms will also have an opportunity to bid for the job and offer services and pricing.

Silva is the senior member and founder of the Silva Law Group and has practiced law for over 44 years. Silva graduated from East Providence High School in June 1959. The Silva Law Group is based in Middletown, RI. In June 1969 Silva was elected to the Middletown Town Council, serving as President for seven years of his 15 on the Council. Silva was legal counsel to the East Providence School Department from 1993-2008 as well as legal counsel to the Rhode Island State Lottery Commission (1994-2008) and other state and local agencies. Silva's firm lost the East Providence job under former Superintendent Mario Cirillo but regained his post once again after the Cirillo committee all lost reelection.

It has been learned that the Silva group has now lost support in some circles locally which may be evident in the separation of some legal responsibilities. Most special education matters have been handled by another legal firm for the past couple of years. Silva still represents East Providence schools in other matters.

The matter of total monies expended for legal services is believed to be an issue with some members of the school board as well as procedural issues. The RFP process is intended to clarify the scope and cost involved for legal services provided to the Superintendent and School Board as well as the entire district. It could not be determined as of this writing, what the time period is for this process. The official RFP was sent out publicly for bidding on Wednesday, May 25th "to a list of school committee lawyers." The RFP is for a 3 year contract with possible extensions. Current board attorney, Bob Silva, does not have a contract with the board.

(Photo:  Robert Silva, Attorney)

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