October 6, 2026
School Budget $3.8M Deficit Looming
At last month’s School Committee meeting, new East Providence Superintendent of Schools Rob Perry described a school budget deficit that has been projected to reach $3.8M. Perry explained a timeline of events that led to his appointment as superintendent. The former school Finance Director resigned on June 26, 2026. Perry started on July 1 and a new controller position which had been vacant for some time was hired on July7th. The school staff accountant resigned on August 4th. “I came into this position (superintendent) with no finance director and other staffing issues. I brought in some experts to help ascertain our financial situation,” said Perry. He referred to hiring independent temporary consultants. “This comes at a price,” referring to their stipends, “which are in line with their experience and state comparisons.”
The school budget problems are identified in three major areas. Out of city special education at over $1M unexpected; transportation estimates beyond $900K and some $325K over utility projections. One problem mentioned was the overdue school department FY25 audit which had not been completed. Without having the audited figures did not help with financial planning and projections.
Dr. Perry listed six possible areas of budget cuts although he said he will work hard not to enact any of these. “There may be other areas to look at but it is transparent information that I must discuss with you (school committee).
The school budget was presented to the City Council for final action. The council will be deliberating on the proposed school and city budget during the month of October. “We will look at every line item in both budgets as we have done in the past,” said Council President Bob Rodericks. “Our 25-26 fiscal year provided for bond payments for school building as well as many city services, all with a reasonable 2.1% tax increase. This year will be challenging, but I’m confident we can work things out. The council does not have jurisdiction over line-item changes in the school budget but I’m sure we will have some suggestions,” Rodericks added.
September Primary races over, November General Election Readies
21% or 7,642 eligible East Providence voters cast ballots in the September primary races. East Providence has 36,290 registered voters. There weren’t many local primary races except for the Democratic Representative seat in District 65 and the Ward One City Council race. Matthew Dawson (incumbent) was challenged by Cameron St. Germain and Grant Webber Wosencroft. Dawson prevailed with 64% of the vote with 1,434 votes. St. Germain was second with 488 and Wosencroft had 303 votes.
In the Ward One non-partisan City Council race, incumbent Frank Rego led a field of four candidates with 64% or 1,391 votes. Bethany White finished second with 381 votes, Jonathan Jacobs had 346 and Richard Stanley finished last with 52 votes. Rego and White will move to the November General election for the Ward One seat.
City Council November
For Mayor: Roberto Bob DaSilva (incumbent), Patricio Pinto
School Committee November
Governor loses big in EP and RI
Helena Buonanno Foulkes defeated Governor Daniel McKee 63% to 37% in East Providence. Foulkes received 4,074 votes to McKee’s 2,399. Foulkes won every city & town in Rhode Island over incumbent McKee.
Police Roll out New Website
Police Chief Michael J. Rapoza announced the launch of the East Providence Police Department’s newly redesigned website to give residents a modern and accessible way to connect with their Police Department and showcase the opportunities available to those considering a career with EPPD.
“The redesigned website, www.EPPDRI.gov, was built around two of the Department’s priorities: making it easier for residents to access information and services, and introducing prospective police officers to the people, opportunities and culture that make up EPPD. The website serves as a central hub for information about the Department and the services it provides,” said Rapoza.
Visitors can learn about EPPD’s divisions, specialized units and community programs, keep up with Department news, and quickly find frequently used services and forms. The site also offers multilingual capabilities, an important feature for a diverse and multicultural city like East Providence. The Department hopes the expanded accessibility will help more residents find the information they need and better understand the services and resources available to them.
"Chief Rapoza and the men and women of the East Providence Police Department do tremendous work every day, and we want to make sure they have the resources they need to serve our community," Mayor Roberto DaSilva said. "This new website makes it easier for our residents to connect with their Police Department and access the services they need, while also showing prospective officers what East Providence and EPPD have to offer. I've been proud to support this project, and I think it represents another important investment in our Police Department and our City."
"This website was designed for the people we serve," Chief Rapoza said. "We want every resident to be able to learn about the work we do and find the services they need in a quick and easy way."
Residents can use the website to access information about crash reports, VIN checks, firearms licensing, traffic camera tickets, public records and other frequently requested services. They can also learn more about programs including the Community At Risk Registration & Enrollment (C.A.R.E.) program, Security Camera Registry Program, Situation Table and other community initiatives.
The website also offers a closer look at the people and work behind EPPD, including information about the Department’s leadership, Patrol, Detective, Services and Operations divisions, and specialized assignments ranging from community policing and traffic enforcement to the K-9 Unit, Drone Unit, and Special Reaction Team.
A major focus of the redesigned website is recruitment. The Department developed an extensive Careers section to give prospective candidates a clear picture of what it means to build a career with EPPD, including information about compensation and benefits, professional development, training, equipment, officer wellness, specialized assignments and the hiring process.
Candidates can learn about opportunities in patrol, investigations, community policing, traffic enforcement, the Special Reaction Team, Drone Unit and other assignments. The site also highlights EPPD's training opportunities, modern equipment, promotional opportunities and commitment to officer wellness.
Prospective candidates can review each step of the hiring process and directly contact an EPPD recruiter with questions.
"We want people who are thinking about becoming police officers or switching departments to see what we have to offer," Chief Rapoza said. "The East Providence Police Department is a place where you can come in, receive excellent training, work with modern equipment, find opportunities to grow and build an entire career. Just as important, you become part of a Department that cares deeply about this community and about the people who work here."
EPPD offers a paid police academy, field training, leadership and instructor development, promotional opportunities and numerous specialized assignments. The Department also provides competitive pay and benefits, including a $5,000 hiring bonus, specialty and accreditation stipends, a language stipend, overtime opportunities and a 25-year retirement plan.
Officer wellness is also a central focus of the Department, with fitness equipment, a wellness-focused culture and a 45-minute on-duty workout program when operational needs permit.
"Our officers do a tremendous amount of work in this community that people may never have the opportunity to see," Chief Rapoza said. "We want this website to open that door a little wider. Whether you need help from us, want to learn more about your Police Department or are thinking about wearing an East Providence badge yourself, we want you to know who we are and what we have to offer."
The website was designed by John Guilfoil Public Relations.
Police Captain Cadoret Retires
Detective Captain Mark Cadoret is retiring after 25 years of service with the East Providence Police Department. Cadoret has served the East Providence Police Department for over two decades. He joined the force in 2001 as a patrol officer and quickly stood out as a proactive patrol officer, earning a spot on the Special Reaction Team by 2004, where he later became a Team Leader of the Sniper and Observation group.
Over the years, Captain Cadoret earned steady promotions through the ranks, serving as a Patrol Sergeant in 2008 and a Patrol Lieutenant in 2012, before taking over leadership of the Prosecution Division in 2013. In 2021, he was sworn in as Captain, a role where he now used his experience to guide the department in the Operations Division where he led the recruitment and training of several new police officers. Captain Cadoret was then transferred to the Patrol Division to command the largest division in the department. Today, he serves as the Detective Commander overseeing a talented group of investigators.
Alongside his field achievements, he has earned his Bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University and a Master’s degree from Salve Regina University. Captain Cadoret was a use of force instructor and also developed and continues to oversee the city’s Active Shooter Program, which is now integrated into local school and many area businesses.
Throughout his long career, he has won honors like the Exceptional Service Award, the American Legion Award, several letters of appreciation from the East Providence community. Towards the end of his tenure, he worked closely with the East Providence Juvenile Hearing Board to help local youth get a second chance through restorative justice.
EP Police Assist in Cocaine Bust
In a major drug enforcement operation, 200 kilograms of cocaine were prevented from hitting the streets of Rhode Island. A joint operation included state and local partners from East Providence police, Providence police, Rhode Island State police, Woonsocket police, Cranston police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Department of Homeland Security. Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA
West Nile Virus Test Positive in EP
Mosquito samples collected in Newport, East Providence, Pawtucket, and Providence in September, have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The current risk level for WNV remains high statewide. No signs of EEE, Jamestown Canyon Virus, or additional WNV were found in other samples statewide. WNV is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the U.S. While most people don’t get sick, about 1 in 5 may develop fever and other symptoms. There is no vaccine or specific treatment.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites:
Stay up to date with test results: www.health.ri.gov/mosquito
Learn more about WNV: www.health.ri.gov/wnv
Mosquito control tips: www.dem.ri.gov/mosquito
Old Mattress Dropoff
A mattress disposal program is offered for East Providence residents with a free drop off on certain dates or a curbside pickup for a small fee. If you have an old mattress or box spring you’ve been meaning to get rid of, now’s the time to make a plan. This will be the final collection and drop-off dates of the year. The program will resume in March 2027. Residents can drop off old mattresses on the following dates: October 3, 24; November 7, 21 and December 5th, 2026. Mattresses can be dropped off at 60 Commercial Way at the City DPW site.
Curbside pickup is available on the same dates as listed above, for a $25. each fee. Payment by check or cash ONLY due the Thursday before pickup date by 12 noon.
There is also a free dropoff for Rhode Island residents at Tough Stuff Recycling, 345 Walcott Street, Pawtucket, RI. Mattresses can be dropped off Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 2 PM.
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