November 6, 2026
New Budget Approved for 2026-2027
The Mayor’s office issued a statement following the signing of the new city budget last month. In the release, Mayor DaSilva said: “I’ve signed the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget ordinance adopted by the East Providence City Council by a vote of 3-2 during the October 13, 2026, budget workshop. The $209,930,748 budget reflects the administration’s tight fiscal management while also continuing to provide all of the services that East Providence residents expect.”
“My administration sat down with every single department and went through every dime in each line item to find ways to make this budget palpable for our residents,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “This is an election year, but this is not an election budget. An election budget would be one where we did not raises taxes, did not properly fund the operations of city government, so we could tout that we did not raise taxes, but the council majority did the right thing, in spite of an election year to ensure that our residents could retain the services they have come to expect,” DaSilva added.
The causes of the mayor’s proposed increase of $4 million:
In order to pay for the increases, the approved budgets will raise the total property tax levy by 3.5% which will bring in an additional $4.3 million in revenue.
Mayor DaSilva noting, however, that the expected additional economic growth of $45.1 million which is anticipated to be realized before the city sets the new tax rate in the spring which should offset some of the fiscal impacts to taxpayers.
"Our budget process was very open and there were plenty of opportunities for anyone to make suggestions or changes,” Council President Bob Rodericks said. “It provides for public safety, infrastructure needs, education and much more. Considering this, and the need to begin paying for two large voter approved school bonds, our tax increase is as low as possible."
The increase to individual property owners is estimated to be just 2.3%, well below inflation at both the state and federal levels and will be determined and finalized later in the year prior to tax bills being mailed out. The City’s new fiscal year begins November 1st, tax bills will be mailed in May 2027.
School Cell Phone Policy Adopted
The School Committee approved by a 3-1 vote in October, a policy which covers abuse of student cell phone use during school hours. The hotly debated topic received 2nd passage and sets rules for students caught using their phones during school. The schools will use the magnetic “Yondr pouches” which is in compliance with a recently imposed state law which mandates schools adopt a bell-to-bell restriction of student cell phones during the school day.
Initially some parents expressed concerns that they couldn’t contact their children due to emergencies. Some on the school committee agreed. Under the amended policy, students may have cell phones but if they use them against policy. The phones may then be put in a pouch for the rest of the day. They must otherwise remain out of sight or in a locker or wall pocket currently supplied in schools. Parents will be notified. Continued abuses will result in parental conferences or mandatory full use of the Yondr pouch.
Exceptions will be made for those with specific medical needs and other special needs, etc.
Rodericks Opposes Data Centers in EP
In a press release, City Council President Bob Rodericks announced his opposition to the potential building of controversial Data Centers in East Providence. “A lot of resident concerns have been raised about the potential for Data Centers being built in East Providence. Because my opponent opted to not participate in a League of Women Voters debate, I did not have the opportunity to address this issue. Accordingly, I announce that I am against Data Centers in East Providence. My opposition is because they require a large footprint, consume large amounts of water and are an energy drain to our fragile utility grid. They can also be noisy in their operation. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay, I support more regulation of the industry before it expands. The major AI developers themselves, have said the same thing regarding the need to regulate their companies. There is a need for Data Centers in general and they would be better suited in less populated areas than communities like ours. Our next city council needs to look at legal ways to restrict these sites,” Rodericks added.
EPHS Gets New Assistant Principal
The East Providence School Committee officially appointed Mary Sorice as the new Assistant Principal of East Providence High School during its meeting this evening, October 20th. Sorice, who was recently honored as the EPHS 2025 Teacher of the Year, steps into the administrative role with an impressive record of educational leadership, system-wide mentorship, and deep-rooted Townie Pride.
A cornerstone of the EPHS faculty, Sorice has served as a driving force behind major school wide initiatives, leading the building’s mentorship programs, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and continuous school improvement strategies. Known for her wisdom, steady leadership, and ability to connect with students and staff alike, Sorice has long been recognized as a quiet powerhouse within the school community.
"Mary Sorice is the heart of East Providence High School," said EPHS Principal Bill Black. "She makes our school a better place just by walking through the door. Beyond her exceptional instructional experience and strategic leadership with our MTSS and mentorship programs, Mary leads with immense heart and an unforgettable presence. Her energy lifts everyone around her students, staff, new teachers, and administration alike. We couldn’t be prouder to welcome her to our administrative leadership team."
As Assistant Principal, Sorice will expand her work in supporting student growth, building collaborative teaching environments, and reinforcing the culture of excellence at EPHS.
Traffic Island Dedicated to the late James Lappin
On Sunday, October 4, 2026, Mayor Bob DaSilva, Council President Bob Rodericks and Council Vice President Frank Rego joined the family of the late James B. Lappin, Sr to dedicate the traffic island at Pawtucket Avenue and Centre Street in his honor.
Lappin Sr.’s impact on the East Providence community continues to be felt to this day, after he served the residents of our city for 30 years as the Superintendent of Parks, where the work he did would be recognized at a regional level in 1996 when he was honored with the New England Park Association’s John Howard Award, the most prestigious honor, only awarded to members who display exemplary and meritorious service in the park field.
“Our administration has made an exerted effort and focus on revitalizing and creating recreational and green spaces for those that are proud to call East Providence home,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “Jim Lappin was on the forefront of these efforts, and under his leadership many of the parks and recreational spaces that residents enjoy today were brought to life through his work, and being able to honor the legacy and stewardship of a man who gave so much to East Providence was something we were excited and proud to do,” DaSilva added.
Lappin Sr. who was born in 1928 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, joined the United States Navy after high school. Following his service, Lappin Sr. went on to earn a degree in Agriculture from the University of Rhode Island.
After graduating from URI, Lappin Sr. would marry Catherine Beauregard, and following a brief journey in Indiana move to Rumford, Rhode Island where the two would settle and raise their four children in a home filled with love.
“Under Jim Lappin’s leadership as the Superintendent of Parks for East Providence, many of the parks we have come to love today came online during his tenure,” Council Vice President Frank Rego said. “It was an incredible honor to be able to recognize a true Townie for his years of dedicated service to our community,” Rego added.
The City of East Providence thanks the Lappin family for joining us as we honored the life and legacy of James B. Lappin Sr. with a traffic island name dedication in Rumford, the place that he and generations of Lappin’s’ called home.
Annual Turkey Trot Runs November 14th
The East Providence Recreation Department will hold the 2026 Turkey Trot 5K and 10K runs on Saturday, November 14, 9:00 AM at Pierce Stadium, 201 Mercer Street. 5K pre-registration fee is $25, $30 on race day; 10K pre-registration fee is $30, $40 on race day.
Free T-Shirt to all runners registered by November 4. Awards to overall first place male and female runners in each race. Medals to all participating runners. Edward Cronan Sr. Memorial Trophy awarded to the first East Providence resident finisher of the 5K. Register online at https://runsignup.com/races. For more information, please call the Recreation Department at 401-435-7511.
Holiday WinterFest Continues
Trees are still available for purchase for the 16th annual WinterFest celebration on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 3:00-7:00PM at the Robert E. Rock Senior Center located at 610 Waterman Avenue.
Trees are placed along the walkway of the senior center and will be illuminated nightly beginning with Santa’s arrival at 5:30PM on December 12 through January 8th, 2027.
The fee is $45 per tree. Two sets of multi-colored lights are supplied while you provide your own decorations. Application deadline is November 13, 2026. Trees may be purchased online at https://eastprovidence.recdesk.com/Community/Home. For more information, please call the Recreation Department at 401-435-7511.
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