Lance Mantia Brings Community Spirit to North Providence School Committee Race

North Providence, RI - ​Lance Mantia is no stranger to North Providence. After 30 years of service with the North Providence School Department, the local event promoter and community figure is now running for an at-large seat on the North Providence School Committee—and he's bringing the same drive that built his Rewind Party brand to the political arena.
"I just miss a lot of people there and I want to give back to the community," said Mantia in a recent interview with the Rhode Island Wave. "I think it's something I'm built for, made for, and I think I can make a positive impact."
Mantia, who retired from the school department last November, chose to run at-large rather than in his local district to maximize his reach across the town. "I want taxpayers, teachers, custodians, parents—everybody—to have access to me," he said. "I'm a big believer in open lines of communication."
That accessibility is central to his campaign. Mantia has made his personal phone number a prominent feature of his campaign ads, and says the response has been overwhelming. "You'd be surprised how many people are calling me—a lot of parents," he said. "If elected, I want that to stay the same."
A Focus on School Funding
Among the issues Mantia is most passionate about is the state's school funding formula, which he argues is failing cities and towns like North Providence. He points to the burden of unfunded state mandates—requirements that school districts must follow without receiving state funding to cover the costs.
"Kids lose programs, taxes go up, everyone's looking for extra money," he said. "That's something that needs to be addressed."
If elected, Mantia has pledged to be a regular presence at the statehouse, advocating for changes to how schools are funded at the state level. "I can't promise results, but I can promise my efforts," he said. "I will be there advocating for the North Providence School Department."
His interest in state-level politics isn't new. Mantia previously ran for state representative in 2010 and 2012, and says those experiences gave him a valuable understanding of how state laws affect local school districts.
Family First, Community Always
Like many residents of North Providence, Mantia is navigating personal challenges alongside his campaign. His father is scheduled for triple bypass surgery in the coming weeks, prompting him to cancel a planned event in Boca Raton to be close to home.
"I got priorities I got to take care of," he said. "Family first."
Still, Mantia sees his current circumstances as an opportunity. "Since I'm going to be here, I might as well do something great," he said.
He also draws on his experience as a father to reinforce his commitment to education. His daughter, a graduate of Merrimack College with first honors and a former captain of the dance team, is currently pursuing her master's degree. "I do know the importance of education," he said proudly.
An Upcoming Community Event
Ahead of the September 9th primary, Mantia is planning a free community event in August designed to bring North Providence residents together. The event will feature complimentary food, DJs, and giveaways from local businesses—and he's clear that it is not a fundraiser.
"Everybody's going through tough times. Everyone's stressed out," he said. "I just want to give back to the community."
A Candidate Who Relates
Mantia believes his background makes him uniquely relatable to the everyday residents of North Providence. "A lot of people can't relate to the candidate," he said. "That's where I come in. I'm just a regular guy, struggling to make ends meet—trying to take care of my daughter."
He describes himself not as a politician, but as a public servant—one who plans to bring the same relentless work ethic that built his Rewind Party brand to his role on the school committee.
"The work ethic I put into my brand, I'm going to put into being a school committee member," he said. "I find ways to make things happen. I just don't quit."


The primary election is scheduled for September 9th. Because there are no Republican or independent candidates in the race, the winner of the primary will secure the seat. North Providence residents who wish to vote must ensure they are registered before the August deadline and are reminded that Rhode Island is an ID state.
North Providence residents can reach Lance Mantia directly through his Facebook page or by calling the number listed on his campaign materials.