Former Hasbro toy sculptor enters EP Ward 3 school committee race

David O'Connell highlights business experience and plans to listen to teachers and families

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:24am

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A dimly lit, cinematic interior scene of an empty school committee meeting room, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and casting deep shadows across the chairs and desks, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and civic responsibility.The East Providence School Committee will welcome a new member with a unique background as the city navigates balancing educational needs and budgetary constraints.Providence Today

A longtime East Providence resident and former Hasbro toy sculptor, David O'Connell, has joined the race for the Ward 3 seat on the East Providence School Committee. He emphasizes his business and budgeting experience, focus on finding savings without hurting students or staff, and plans to closely engage with local teachers and families as he seeks to serve his community.

Why it matters

The East Providence School Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the education and resources available to students in the city. O'Connell's background as a toy sculptor and his stated priorities of fiscal responsibility and community engagement could provide a unique perspective on the committee.

The details

O'Connell, a longtime East Providence resident, has joined the race for the Ward 3 seat on the East Providence School Committee. He highlights his experience as a former toy sculptor at Hasbro, where he developed budgeting and problem-solving skills. O'Connell says he plans to focus on finding cost savings without negatively impacting students or staff, and to closely listen to the concerns of local teachers and families.

  • O'Connell has announced his candidacy for the Ward 3 school committee seat in East Providence.

The players

David O'Connell

A longtime East Providence resident and former Hasbro toy sculptor who is running for the Ward 3 seat on the East Providence School Committee.

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What they’re saying

“I have the business and budgeting experience to help the school committee find savings without hurting students or staff. And I'm committed to listening closely to our local teachers and families to make sure their voices are heard.”

— David O'Connell, Candidate for East Providence School Committee Ward 3

What’s next

Voters in East Providence's Ward 3 will have the opportunity to choose their representative on the school committee in the upcoming election.

The takeaway

O'Connell's background as a toy sculptor and his focus on fiscal responsibility and community engagement could provide a unique perspective on the East Providence School Committee, as the city looks to balance educational needs with budgetary constraints.