Libby Merrill Asks East Providence, Ward 3, for Your Vote for School Committee

Longtime educator and EP parent seeks to bring experience to school governance

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Elizabeth "Libby" Merrill, a resident of East Providence, is running for School Committee in Ward 3. Merrill brings 20 years of experience as a teacher and administrator to the race, along with a parent's personal stake in the district's success.

Merrill grew up attending public schools in Rhode Island. She has spent her career serving in schools, working six years as an elementary and middle school teacher before moving into recruitment and administration. Her work in administration has given her experience managing school budgets, a skill that is essential for responsible School Committee decision-making. As a parent of a fourth grader in East Providence Public Schools she has a firsthand view of what families in this city need from their schools every single day.

"I became a teacher in 2006 because I believe every child deserves access to an excellent public education," Merrill said. "That mission has never changed. Now I want to bring that same commitment to the School Committee."

Merrill's campaign is built around five core priorities:

• Equal access to an excellent public education for every student in East Providence
• Responsible, realistic budgeting that puts students first
• Transparent governance through open communication, accessible decision-making, and seeking input from students, teachers, and families
• Focused, productive leadership that centers meeting time on the substantive work of the district, like the budget and policy
• Support and protection for the district's most vulnerable students

Merrill says her years in education give her a practical understanding of how policy decisions actually play out for teachers and kids, insight she believes is often missing from school committees.

"The city deserves a School Committee member who understands education from the inside," Merrill said. "I'm running because I want every student, teacher and family in East Providence to feel seen, heard, and supported by our schools."

Residents can get involved with the campaign by volunteering, donating, or requesting a yard sign at merrill4ep.com. The General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.