R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-48-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-48 / Section 16-48-3
§ 16-48-3. Rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall make all necessary rules and regulations as the commissioner shall deem necessary or expedient, in conformity with the provisions of this chapter and not contrary to law, for the necessary accreditation of the schools and programs, and the commissioner shall do all things and perform all acts necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-3-13 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-3 / Section 16-3-13
§ 16-3-13. Powers of regional school district financial meeting.
Status: in_force

The regional school district financial meeting shall determine the regional school district budget as to overall amounts, the decision as to the levying of taxes covering the functions of the regional school district, the purchase of land and the construction of buildings, the extension of the scope of the functions of the regional school district as approved by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, and the election of members to the regional school district school committee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-47 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-47
§ 16-7-47. Addition to existing aid.
Status: in_force

The provisions of §§ 16-7-35 to 16-7-47 shall be in addition to any and all state aid for education as provided in any other general or special law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-3-25 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-3 / Section 16-3-25
§ 16-3-25. Districts organized prior to 1959.
Status: in_force

(a) A regional school district organized prior to January 1, 1959, shall be governed by the provisions of the act establishing it and the provisions of this chapter not inconsistent with it.

(b) Amendments to the date of financial district meetings shall not be considered inconsistent with acts establishing pre-1959 regional school districts provided those amendments are limited to one year only.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-8-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-8 / Section 16-8-8
§ 16-8-8. Acceptance and use of federal school lunch funds.
Status: in_force

The department of elementary and secondary education is authorized to accept and direct the disbursement of funds appropriated by any act of congress and apportioned to the state in connection with the establishment and maintenance of school lunch programs. The department of elementary and secondary education shall deposit all funds received from the federal government with the general treasurer, to be placed in a special account, and drawn upon only on receipt of properly authenticated vouchers signed by the department of elementary and secondary education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-39-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-39 / Section 16-39-1
§ 16-39-1. Appeal of matters of dispute to commissioner.
Status: in_force

Parties having any matter of dispute between them arising under any law relating to schools or education may appeal to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education who, after notice to the parties interested of the time and place of hearing, shall examine and decide the appeal without cost to the parties involved.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-60-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-60 / Section 16-60-7
§ 16-60-7. Department of elementary and secondary education  Personnel board.
Status: in_force

(a) The board of regents shall maintain a department of elementary and secondary education which shall perform the research, administrative, and instructional functions and duties, including technical assistance and statewide educational information services for local school districts, required of the regents by the provisions of this chapter. Within that department the appointment, promotion, salaries, term of service, and dismissal of all professional employees, including instructional and research employees, administrative employees, and secretaries shall be at the pleasure of the commissioner of elementary and secondary education except that the regents shall approve all assistant commissioners; all professional employees, including instructional and research employees, and administrative employees may be initially engaged under contract for not more than two (2) years. All professional employees, including instructional and research employees, and administrative employees shall not be in the classified service of the state nor be subject in any manner of control by the personnel administrator or by any officer or board other than the commissioner of elementary and secondary education; provided, that all permanent appointments of the commissioner to vacant, reestablished or newly established positions shall be subject to approval by the Emergency Hiring Council established by Executive Order 95-2. All appointments to positions at state operated schools shall be exempt from the preceding requirement provided that total full time equivalent positions are within the authorized cap and all these personnel are assigned exclusively to the schools. The hiring of individuals on a contract basis shall be subject to state purchasing requirements. All non-classified employees of the board of regents who shall have twenty (20) years, not necessarily consecutive, of service credit, these credits having been earned in either the classified, non-classified, or unclassified service or any combination of these, shall be deemed to have acquired full status in their positions as the status is defined by § 36-4-59; provided, that this provision shall not apply to those employees whose base entry date is after August 7, 1996; and provided that this provision shall not apply to faculty employed by the board of regents nor shall it apply to non-classified employees who have acquired tenure as faculty. Employees who had permanent status prior to May 7, 1981, shall continue to retain their status. Persons employed by the department on February 1, 1974, in either the classified or unclassified service and who were receiving longevity payments on or before February 1, 1974, shall continue to be eligible for longevity benefits upon transfer to the non-classified service within the department.

(b) The table of organization, as submitted by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, together with the pay ranges, shall be subject to approval by the board of regents.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to limit or interfere with the rights of professional, administrative, and secretarial employees of the department of education to collectively bargain pursuant to chapter 11 of title 36 and chapter 7 of title 28 over all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, salaries, terms of service, and dismissal, or to allow the commissioner or the department to abrogate any agreement reached by collective bargaining.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-23 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-23
§ 16-2-23. Expenditures pending annual appropriation.
Status: in_force

The school committee, in the interval between the close of the city or town fiscal year and the making of the annual appropriations for the support of public schools, may expend for public school purposes the unexpended balance remaining in the treasury from the school appropriation of the expired fiscal year, and for each month a sum of money not exceeding one-twelfth ( 1 / 12 ) of the amount appropriated in the preceding year for the support of public schools, and the city or town treasurer shall pay orders drawn by the school committee in accordance with the provisions of this section from any money in the city or town treasury not otherwise appropriated.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-19-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-19 / Section 16-19-8
§ 16-19-8. Jurisdiction of family court.
Status: in_force

(a) Jurisdiction of cases arising under § 16-19-1 may reside with juvenile hearing boards in those cities and towns that so desire to hear these cases and which have established juvenile hearing boards. Any municipal juvenile hearing board established pursuant to this section shall, prior to hearing any compulsory attendance cases, inform the chief judge of the family court, in writing, of its establishment and plan to hear compulsory attendance cases. In all other cases arising under § 16-19-1 jurisdiction shall be with the family court. The town of North Providence shall have the authority to establish a juvenile hearing board pursuant to this section.

(b) The family court shall also have authority to issue equitable orders, enforceable through contempt of court proceedings, needed to enforce § 16-19-1. As an alternative to the procedure set out in § 16-19-1, the school committee may file a civil complaint seeking injunctive relief in truancy cases. If the family court rules in favor of the school committee the court may issue an injunction, enforceable through contempt of court proceedings, requiring compliance with the compulsory attendance law. Neither prior resort to enforcement proceedings under § 16-19-1 nor a showing of irreparable injury shall be prerequisite to injunctive relief under this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-63-16 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-63 / Section 16-63-16
§ 16-63-16. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any provision of this chapter, or of any regulation issued under it, or the application of it to any person or circumstance, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter or of any regulation or application to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of this chapter shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-53-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-53 / Section 16-53-9
§ 16-53-9. Functions and responsibilities of the career and technical education trust.
Status: in_force

The trust shall:

(1) Create partnerships with various employers to provide for internships, apprenticeship programs, voluntary work relationships, and other such partnerships that provide for student learning;

(2) Provide advisory assistance to the board of trustees in the development of programs, curriculum, areas of focus, and concentration;

(3) Raise funds for the use of the organization to provide grants and loans to the state board and for other purposes as determined by the private board; and

(4) Provide any other assistance to the state board, board of education, or to the general assembly.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-60-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-60 / Section 16-60-6
§ 16-60-6. Commissioner of elementary and secondary education.
Status: in_force

The council on elementary and secondary education, with the advice and consent of the board of education, shall appoint a commissioner of elementary and secondary education who shall serve at the pleasure of the council on elementary and secondary education, provided that the commissioners initial engagement by the council shall be for a period of not more than three (3) years. The position of commissioner shall be in the unclassified service of the state and he or she shall serve as the chief executive officer of the council on elementary and secondary education and as the chief administrative officer of the department of elementary and secondary education. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall have the duties that are defined in this section and in this title and any other additional duties that may be determined by the council on elementary and secondary education, and shall perform any other duties that may be vested in the commissioner by law. In addition to the general supervision of the department of elementary and secondary education and the appointment of the several officers and employees of the department, it shall be the duty of the commissioner of elementary and secondary education:

(1) To develop and implement a systematic program of information gathering, processing, and analysis addressed to every aspect of elementary and secondary education in the state, especially as that information relates to current and future educational needs.

(2) To prepare a master plan for elementary and secondary education in the state; to coordinate the goals and objectives of the public elementary and secondary education sector with the activities of the nonpublic elementary and secondary education sector where feasible.

(3) To communicate with and seek the advice of those concerned with and affected by the board of educations and the councils determinations.

(4) To implement broad policy as it pertains to the goals and objectives established by the board of education; to enforce standards and to exercise general supervision over public elementary and secondary education in the state and over all elementary and secondary nonpublic education in the state as provided in subsection (8) of this section; to assist in the preparation of the budget for elementary and secondary education and to be responsible upon direction of the council on elementary and secondary education for the allocation of appropriations, the acquisition, holding, disposition, and general management of property.

(5) To be responsible for the coordination of the various elementary and secondary educational functions among the educational agencies of the state, including local school districts, and to encourage and to assist in the cooperation among them so that maximum efficiency and economy may be achieved.

(6) To assist the council on elementary and secondary education in the preparation and presentation annually to the state budget officer, in accordance with § 35-3-4, of a total state elementary and secondary educational budget that shall include, but not be limited to, the budget of the department of elementary and secondary education, subcommittees and agencies, and state aid to local school districts.

(7) To supervise the operation of the department of elementary and secondary education; to have the duties as defined in § 16-1-5 and in this title or in law wherever outlined; and other additional duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the council on elementary and secondary education.

(8) To perform the duties vested in the board of education and council on elementary and secondary education with relation to nonpublic elementary and secondary educational institutions within the state under the terms of chapter 40 of this title, and other laws that affect nonpublic elementary and secondary education in the state.

(9) To supervise the following specific functions:

(i) To recommend the basic subjects and courses of study to be taught and instructional standards to be maintained in the public elementary and secondary schools in the state.

(ii) To recommend standards and qualifications of teachers and to issue certificates upon approval of standards and qualifications by the council on elementary and secondary education.

(iii) To distribute state school funds in accordance with law and regulations of the council on elementary and secondary education.

(iv) To certify as to the necessity of school construction and that standards and design are in accordance with law and regulations of the council on elementary and secondary education and to approve a design for school construction throughout the state.

(v) To certify that school library standards and services are in accordance with law and regulations of the council on elementary and secondary education.

(vi) To recommend to the council on elementary and secondary education relating to the transportation of pupils to school.

(vii) To require the observance of all laws relating to elementary and secondary schools and education.

(viii) To interpret school law and to decide any controversies that may be appealed to him or her from decisions of local school committees.

(ix) To prepare and recommend standard forms for the use of local schools when reporting to the department of elementary and secondary education.

(x) To prepare standard accounting and auditing procedures for local school districts, except for the purposes of § 16-24-2(3) which shall be done in conjunction with the auditor general.

(xi) To prepare uniform budgeting procedures for local school districts.

(xii) To determine when special purpose grants made to local school districts shall be eligible for reimbursement through the school operations aid formula in accordance with chapter 7 of this title, and to designate the purpose(s) for which the local school district may use the school operations aid reimbursement, including reimbursement on local matching funds used to support the special purpose grant. The commissioner shall promulgate and adopt rules and regulations to carry out the intent of this subsection.

(10) To approve and accredit elementary and secondary schools in accordance with the policy and regulations of the council on elementary and secondary education.

(11) To be responsible for the administration of policies, rules, and regulations of the board of education and the council on elementary and secondary education with relation to the entire field of elementary and secondary education within the state not specifically granted to any other department, board, or agency and not incompatible with law.

(12) To receive from law enforcement agencies a list periodically of the names of Rhode Island missing children and to disseminate these lists to local school districts.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-33-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-33 / Section 16-33-8
§ 16-33-8. Appropriations and disbursements.
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum as it may deem necessary for the maintenance and support of the Rhode Island College.

(b) The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum upon receipt by the controller of vouchers approved by the board of governors for higher education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-96-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-96 / Section 16-96-1
§ 16-96-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as The College and Career Success For All Students Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-33-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-33 / Section 16-33-2
§ 16-33-2. Powers over college  Purposes of college.
Status: in_force

The board of governors for higher education shall be responsible for the control, management, and operation of Rhode Island College in the same manner as prior to July 1, 1960, the board of trustees for state colleges had been responsible for the control, management, and operation of the institution under the name of Rhode Island College of Education, and shall continue to exercise the powers previously conferred upon the trustees of Rhode Island Normal School, and any further powers, including the power to confer degrees, as shall be necessary for the continuance and maintenance of the Rhode Island College as a college the chief purpose of which shall be the preparation of teachers, principals, supervisors, and superintendents for service in the public schools of Rhode Island. The board of governors for higher education is authorized to extend the scope of the educational interests of Rhode Island College to include, in addition to and without in any way limiting its educational programs related to the educational preparation of teachers for the schools of the state, general education through degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-29-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-29 / Section 16-29-5
§ 16-29-5. State support of public schools.
Status: in_force

Public evening schools and day continuation schools established under the provisions of this chapter may, if approved by the department of elementary and secondary education, receive state support from the annual appropriations for evening schools and industrial education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-9.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-9.1
§ 16-2-9.1. Code of basic management principles and ethical school standards.
Status: in_force

(a) School committees shall adopt the following code of basic management principles and ethical school standards:

The (District)does hereby establish a code of basic principles and ethical standards for school committee members acting individually and collectively as boards of education in the management of the public schools of (City or Town).

The school committee in accepts the obligation to operate the public schools in accordance with the fundamental principles and standards of school management, which principles include but are not limited to the following:

(1) Formulate written policy for the administration of schools to be reviewed regularly and revised as necessary.

(2) Exercise legislative, policy-making, planning and appraising functions and delegate administrative functions in the operation of schools.

(3) Recognize their critical responsibility for selecting the superintendent, defining his or her responsibilities, and evaluating his or her performance regularly without directly engaging in administrative processes.

(4) Accept and encourage a variety of opinions from and communication with all parts of the community.

(5) Make public relevant institutional information in order to promote communication and understanding between the school system and the community.

(6) Act on legislative and policy-making matters only after examining pertinent facts and considering the superintendents recommendations.

(7) Conduct meetings with planned and published agendas.

(8) Encourage and promote professional growth of school staff so that quality of instruction and support services may continually be improved.

(9) Establish and maintain procedural steps for resolving complaints and criticisms of school affairs.

(10) Act only through public meetings since individual board members have no authority to bind the board.

(11) Recognize that the first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of the students attending the public schools.

(12) Work with other committee members to establish effective board policies and to delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the superintendent.

(13) Avoid being placed in a position of conflict of interest, and refrain from using the committee position for personal gain.

(14) Attend all regularly scheduled committee meetings as possible, and become informed concerning the issues to be considered at those meetings.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to limit or interfere with the rights of teachers and other school employees to collectively bargain pursuant to chapters 9.3 and 9.4 of title 28 or to allow any school committee or superintendent to abrogate any agreement reached by collective bargaining.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-19-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-19 / Section 16-19-3
§ 16-19-3. Appointment and compensation of truant officers  Supplies and assistance  Joint officers  Tenure.
Status: in_force

The school committee of each city or town shall annually in the month of December appoint one or more persons as truant officers, who shall by virtue of their appointment be clothed with the power of special constables, and fix their compensation, which shall be payable from the appropriation for public schools. The school committee may also furnish all necessary supplies and clerical assistance for the proper and efficient performance of the duties of the truant officer. The school committee of two (2) or more cities or towns may appoint the same truant officer or officers, and any school committee that appoints other employees on a different tenure of office than annual appointments may appoint truant officers on a similar tenure in lieu of the annual appointment mentioned in this section and may fix their compensation from time to time.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-43-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-43 / Section 16-43-4
§ 16-43-4. Annual appropriation.
Status: in_force

The general assembly, shall annually appropriate any sum as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-3-22 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-3 / Section 16-3-22
§ 16-3-22. Regional school fiscal year.
Status: in_force

The regional school district fiscal years shall begin on July 1.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-41-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-41 / Section 16-41-3
§ 16-41-3. Rhode Island board members  Qualifications.
Status: in_force

(a) The governor shall appoint four (4) resident members from Rhode Island who shall serve in accordance with article II of the compact. In the month of May in each year the governor shall appoint successors to those members of the compact whose terms shall expire in that year, to hold office on the first day of June in the year of appointment and until the first day of June in the third year after their successors are appointed and qualified.

(b) The president of the senate shall appoint two (2) members of the senate to serve in accordance with article II for the members legislative term.

(c) The speaker of the house shall appoint two (2) members of the house to serve in accordance with article II for the members legislative term.

(d) Any vacancy of a member which shall occur in the commission shall be filled by the appointing authority for the remainder of the unexpired term. All members shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred in the performance of their duties.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-107-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-107 / Section 16-107-3
§ 16-107-3. Establishment of scholarship program.
Status: in_force

Beginning with the high school graduating class of 2017, there is hereby established the Rhode Island promise scholarship program. The general assembly shall annually appropriate the funds necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter. Additional funds beyond the scholarships may be appropriated to support and advance the Rhode Island promise scholarship program. In addition to appropriation by the general assembly, charitable donations may be accepted into the scholarship program.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-111-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-111 / Section 16-111-6
§ 16-111-6. Expiration dates.
Status: in_force

An educational entity, person, or vendor who or that donates food as permitted by law shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability or penalty for any violation of any laws, regulations, or ordinances regulating the labeling or packaging of the donated product or, with respect to any other laws, regulations, or ordinances, for a violation occurring after the time of donation. The donation of nonperishable food that is fit for human consumption but that has exceeded the labeled shelf life date recommended by the manufacturer is protected, pursuant to this section, if the entity, person, or vendor who or that distributes the food to the end recipient makes a good faith evaluation that the food to be donated is wholesome.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-77-2.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-77 / Section 16-77-2.1
§ 16-77-2.1. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) District charter schools means schools created by existing public schools, groups of public school personnel, public school districts, or a group of school districts.

(2) Independent charter schools means schools created by: (I) Rhode Island nonprofit organizations provided that these nonprofit organizations shall have existed for at least two (2) years and must exist for a substantial reason other than to operate a school; or (ii) Colleges or universities within the State of Rhode Island.

(3) Mayoral academies means schools created by a mayor of any city or town within the State of Rhode Island, acting by or through a nonprofit organization (regardless of the time said nonprofit organization is in existence) to establish a mayoral academy as hereinafter described in chapter 16-77.4 (Mayoral Academies). For purposes of this chapter the term mayor shall include any elected town administrator.

(4) Charter public schools means district charter schools, independent charter schools, or mayoral academies.

(5) Board of regents means the Rhode Island board of regents for elementary and secondary education.

(6) Commissioner means the Rhode Island commissioner of elementary and secondary education.

(7) Sending school district means the district where the student attending or planning to attend a charter public school resides.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-62-11 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-62 / Section 16-62-11
§ 16-62-11. Trust funds.
Status: in_force

All money received pursuant to the authority of this chapter, whether as proceeds from the sale of bonds or notes or as revenues, receipts, or income, shall be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in the proceedings under which the bonds or notes are authorized. Any officer with whom, or any bank or trust company with which, any money shall be deposited as trustee of it shall hold and apply the money for its purposes, subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter, the proceedings authorizing the bonds or notes, and the trust agreement securing those bonds or notes, if any.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-41-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-41 / Section 16-41-5
§ 16-41-5. Repayment of loans.
Status: in_force

(a) Dental, medical, optometry, osteopathic, and veterinary medical students who attend schools under the Rhode Island health professions contract program which is supported by funds from the state may decrease their indebtedness to the state under the following options:

(1) Upon completion of his or her dental, medical, optometry, osteopathic, or veterinary training, including internship and residency training, a student who establishes residency in the state will be relieved of fifteen percent (15%) of that indebtedness per year for each year that the student is employed by the state in a full-time capacity for a maximum cancellation of seventy-five percent (75%) for five (5) years of employment.

(2) Any graduate who establishes residency in the state will be relieved of ten percent (10%) of that indebtedness per year for each year that he or she practices dentistry, medicine, optometry, osteopathy, or veterinary medicine in the state in a full-time capacity for a maximum cancellation of fifty percent (50%) for five (5) years of practice.

(b) In no event shall any students cancellation of indebtedness under subsection (a) exceed seventy-five percent (75%).

(c) In no event shall any student be entitled to a refund of any sums paid on his or her indebtedness by virtue of the provisions of this section.

(d) The office of the postsecondary commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations that are necessary and proper to promote the full implementation of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-15-17 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-15 / Section 16-15-17
§ 16-15-17. Payment of grants for teachers retiring prior to July 1, 1949.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon the passage of this chapter the department of elementary and secondary education shall apportion the retirement grant into monthly benefits and shall disburse monthly benefits to all eligible retired teachers under this law.

(b) The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of those sums that may be required from time to time upon receipt by the controller of proper vouchers approved by the department of elementary and secondary education and the retirement division in the department of treasury.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-102-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-102 / Section 16-102-2
§ 16-102-2. Rhode Island Teachers Advisory Council established.
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby established a Rhode Island teachers advisory council, hereinafter referred to as RITAC, that shall advise the board of regents for elementary and secondary education and/or the state board of education, whichever body is in effect at the time. RITAC shall be comprised of one teacher from each school district chosen by the districts state association of teacher representatives, such as the national education association and the Rhode Island federation of teachers and health professionals, in conjunction with the local district teacher representative in a manner that they deem appropriate. The Rhode Island league of charter schools shall choose two (2) teachers from its public charter schools in a manner that it deems appropriate. The Rhode Island mayoral academies shall choose one teacher from its mayoral academies in a manner that it deems appropriate. The term of each teacher representative shall be two (2) years. Each representative shall be chosen within ninety (90) days of passage and by October 1 every two (2) years thereafter. Upon organization, the members of RITAC shall elect a chairperson and any other officers.

(b) RITAC shall meet no less than four (4) times per year and provide the board of regents for elementary and secondary education and/or the state board of education, whichever board is in effect, with a minimum of quarterly reports at a regularly scheduled board meeting.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-113-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-113 / Section 16-113-4
§ 16-113-4. Definitions.
Status: in_force

When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) ADA means the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., as may be amended from time to time.

(2) Certificate means any certificate program with labor market value as defined by the postsecondary commissioner.

(3) College-level credit means credit awarded by a college or university for completion of its own courses or other academic work.

(4) FAFSA means the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.

(5) General education coursework means the educational foundation of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that prepares students for success in their majors and their personal and professional lives after graduation. It includes, but is not limited to, the required coursework of all degrees developed by each eligible postsecondary institution that is approved by the council on postsecondary education that is intended to ensure that all graduates of a state institution have a balanced core of competencies and knowledge. This does not necessarily include coursework specifically required for ones major.

(6) Mandatory fees and tuition means the costs that every student is required to pay in order to enroll in classes, and does not include room and board, textbooks, program fees that may exist in some majors, course fees that may exist for some specific courses, meal plans, or travel.

(7) On track to graduate on time means the standards determined by Rhode Island college in establishing the expectation of a student to graduate with a bachelors degree within four (4) years of enrollment, or the prescribed completion time for a student completing a certificate (recognizing that some students, including students who require developmental education, are double majors, or are enrolled in certain professional programs may require an extended time period for degree completion).

(8) Pilot program and scholarship program means the Rhode Island hope scholarship pilot program that is established pursuant to § 16-113-3.

(9) Reasonable accommodations means any necessary modifications or adjustment to a facility, equipment, program, or manner of operation as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 791, as may be amended from time to time.

(10) Recipient student means a student attending Rhode Island college who qualifies to receive the Rhode Island hope scholarship pursuant to § 16-113-6.

(11) State means the state of Rhode Island.

(12) Student with a disability means any student otherwise eligible pursuant to this chapter who has a physical, developmental, or hidden disability or disabilities, as defined in § 42-87-1, that would create a hardship or other functional obstacles preventing participation in this program.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-37 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-37
§ 16-32-37. Applicability of merit system  Teacher certification  List of positions transferable to classified service.
Status: in_force

(a) The appointment, promotion, salaries, tenure, and dismissal of administrative, instructional, and research employees, and secretarial employees not exceeding ten (10) in number, and armed university police officers shall not be subject in any manner or degree to control by the state personnel administrator or by any officer or board other than the board of trustees. The certification of teachers at the university of Rhode Island is abolished, except for teachers who elect to come or remain under it.

(b) All positions that are exempt from the merit system law, chapter 4 of title 36, that become vacant or that are to be established, must be forwarded to the state personnel administrator, who shall determine whether the position(s) in question shall remain in the board of trustees non-classified service or be established in the classified service of the state.

(c) No position presently in the classified service of the state subject to the merit system law, chapter 4 of title 36, shall be changed or modified so as to establish the position in the board of trustees non-classified service.

(d) Faculty positions, presidents, vice presidents, deans, assistant deans, and student employees of the university shall not be covered by the preceding provisions and shall remain in the non-classified service of the board.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-98-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-98 / Section 16-98-3
§ 16-98-3. Advanced placement teacher training program.
Status: in_force

(a) Purpose. The purpose of the advanced placement teacher training program is to provide access to advanced placement courses in the four (4) core academic subjects of English, mathematics, science and social science for all students by training teachers in advanced placement course instruction at all high schools that do not presently provide advanced placement courses.

(b) Establishment. Subject to appropriation, the advanced placement teacher-training program shall be established in the department of education by the board of regents to train teachers in eligible school entities to teach advanced placement courses in the four (4) core academic areas of English, mathematics, science and social science in one or more of these disciplines.

(c) Eligible school entities. Eligible school entities are those that do not have in each of their high schools at least one advanced placement course in the four (4) core academic areas.

(1) A school district that has an advanced placement course in one or more of the four (4) core academic areas but not in all four (4) core academic areas is only eligible to have a teacher trained in those core academic areas that it does not have an advanced placement course.

(2) No more than one teacher per core academic area in each high school of an eligible school district shall be trained under this program.

(3) More than one eligible school district may apply jointly to the program to train a teacher in advanced placement course instruction if that teacher is to provide such instruction in more than one school district either through classroom instruction or through virtual learning instruction.

(d) Application requirements for eligible school entities. The application by an eligible school district seeking funding for the program shall include the following:

(1) The subject areas that currently have an advanced placement courses in each of its high schools;

(2) The subject areas among the four (4) core academic areas that it does not have an advanced placement course in each of its high schools;

(3) The names of the eligible teachers including the high school where they are teaching and the advanced placement academic subject area that each of the teachers will be providing instruction and whether the instruction will be in a classroom or through virtual learning instruction;

(4) The names of the eligible teacher training entities that shall be providing the training for teachers in providing advanced placement instruction;

(5) Agreement to provide the advanced placement course for high school students for at least three (3) years;

(6) Guidelines the school district will use in determining which students may be eligible to enroll in an advanced placement course. The school district shall not discriminate on any basis in enrollment of students that is illegal under applicable federal or state law;

(7) Agreement to annually report to the department for each of the four (4) core academic areas that were taught by teachers whose training was funded by this program the following information:

(i) The number of students taking advanced placement courses;

(ii) The number of students who took the advanced placement examinations; and

(iii) The number of students scoring a three (3) or higher on the advanced placement examinations.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-62-19 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-62 / Section 16-62-19
§ 16-62-19. Inconsistent provisions.
Status: in_force

When any provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law or ordinance, general, special, or local, the provisions of this chapter shall be controlling.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-10
§ 16-22-10. Voting instruction.
Status: in_force

The school committees of the several cities, towns, and school districts shall provide for students of the senior class in high school a course of instruction and demonstration in the operation of a voting machine, and of the manner of casting a valid ballot. The board of elections is directed to make available to each city and town school committee one voting machine per city or town to carry out the purposes of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-90-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-90 / Section 16-90-4
§ 16-90-4. Definitions.
Status: in_force

The following words and phrases used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) High School Graduation Rate is defined as the percentage of the four (4) year adjusted cohort who attended high school in the school district, and earned a regular high school diploma on time as calculated using the graduation rate formula.

(2) Graduation Rate Formula defines the formula for calculating the graduation rate as the number of students who earned an on time diploma divided by the number of students who formed the four (4) year adjusted cohort for that graduation class. It may be expressed as follows: Graduation rate= (On time graduates in year x) divided by (the number of students who entered grade 9 together in year x-4) + (transfers)  (transfers out and deceased).

(3) On Time means that students who earned a regular high school diploma from the district at the conclusion of their fourth (4th) year or before. This may include graduates who earned their diploma during a senior summer session in those districts offering summer sessions for seniors.

(4) Four-Year Adjusted Cohort is defined as the students who entered grade 9 together; and, any students that transferred into the district in grade 10 through 12. Students that the district can confirm have either transferred out of the district, or are deceased, are removed from the cohort. All other students, including those retained in grade, those who enroll in a GED program, or take leave of school for any other reason, are not counted as transfers and remain in the four-year adjusted cohort. Students who are retained in grade, or take leave of school and return are counted only once as part of their initial four-year adjusted cohort.

(5) Transfers In are students who entered any high school after the beginning of the entering cohorts first year in high school in the district up to and including grade 12.

(6) Transfers Out are students the district can confirm with supporting documentation as having transferred out of the district to enroll in another high school outside the district, or other educational program for which they are expected to receive a regular high school diploma. Confirmation of transfer to another school/program shall be in the form of formal, written documentation that the student enrolled in the receiving school. Transfers Out does not include students enrolled in a GED or other alternative educational program that does not issue or provide credits toward the issuance of a regular high school diploma.

(7) Board of Regents means the state board of regents for elementary and secondary education established in chapter 16-60.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-5-18 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-5 / Section 16-5-18
§ 16-5-18. Funds for training of practical nurses.
Status: in_force

Funds shall be provided to the state board of regents for elementary and secondary education for vocational education for:

(1) Establishment of a program for the training of practical nurses in the Woonsocket area.

(2) After the establishment of a program for the training of practical nurses in the Woonsocket area, the existing facilities of the Providence program for the metropolitan area shall be expanded.

(3) After the establishment of a program for the training of practical nurses in the Woonsocket area, and after the existing facilities of the Providence program for the metropolitan area have been expanded, the present program shall be extended to those other areas of the state where the need is evident.

(4) The acceleration of the recruitment program for applicants for the practical nurse training program.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-38 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-38
§ 16-21-38. Availability of feminine hygiene products.
Status: in_force

(a) By the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, all public schools maintaining any combination of classes from grade five (5) through grade twelve (12), inclusive, shall make feminine hygiene products available in the school as follows:

(1) Feminine products shall be available in all gender-neutral bathrooms and any bathroom designated for females;

(2) Feminine products shall be available at no cost to students.

(b) For the purposes of this section, feminine hygiene products includes tampons and sanitary napkins.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-17.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-17.1
§ 16-2-17.1. In school suspensions.
Status: in_force

Suspensions issued shall not be served out of school unless the students conduct meets the standards set forth in § 16-2-17(a) or the student represents a demonstrable threat to students, teachers, or administrators.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-33 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-33
§ 16-2-33. City of Woonsocket  Compensation to school committee members.
Status: in_force

The city council of the city of Woonsocket shall appropriate a sum certain and annually determine salaries for the chairperson and members of the school committee for the city of Woonsocket.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-33-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-33 / Section 16-33-7
§ 16-33-7. Diploma on graduation.
Status: in_force

Persons who shall have passed the regular course of studies at Rhode Island College shall, on the written recommendation of the president, receive a diploma issued by the board of governors for higher education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-27 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-27
§ 16-22-27. Availability of instruction in musical performance education.
Status: in_force

All secondary public schools, including middle schools, or any other secondary schools managed and controlled by the state, are strongly encouraged to offer as a part of the curriculum, courses in performing arts, including musical ensembles, such as band, chorus, orchestra, and other performance ensembles, with emphasis upon development of aesthetic appreciation and the skills of creative expression.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-32 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-32
§ 16-21-32. Peanut/tree nut allergies.
Status: in_force

(a) The governing body of each elementary, middle or junior high school approved for the purpose of §§ 16-19-1 and 16-19-2, shall develop a policy designed to provide a safe environment for students with peanut/tree nut allergies. When a school is aware that an enrolled student has a peanut/tree nut allergy with potentially serious health consequences, the school shall implement a protocol, consistent with the governing bodys policy, that provides the student with protections while he or she is attending school or participating in school-sponsored activities. The governing bodys policy shall include the development of an individual health care plan (IHCP) and an emergency health care plan (EHCP) for each student with such food allergy. The students IHCP and EHCP shall be developed collaboratively and be signed by the school nurse, the students health care provider, the parents/guardians of the student, and the student (if appropriate). Depending upon the nature and extent of the students peanut/tree nut allergy, the measures listed in the IHCP may include the posting of signs at school, the prohibition of the sale of particular food items in the school, the designation of special tables in the cafeteria, the prohibition of particular food items in certain classrooms, and the complete prohibition of particular food items from a school or school grounds.

(b) The department of elementary and secondary education and the department of health shall amend their rules and regulations for school health programs to establish standards for the care of students with peanut/tree nut allergies.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-74-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-74 / Section 16-74-2
§ 16-74-2. Objectives of program.
Status: in_force

(a) The guaranteed student entitlement program shall:

(1) Limit the property tax rate levied in each community for education;

(2) Provide for the costs necessary to educate students with special or additional needs;

(3) Provide for an examination of expenditures to determine their support of student achievement trends and state education goals;

(4) Provide for incentives to improve student achievement;

(5) Provide for the establishment of a per pupil expenditure rate which shall also take into account the costs of programs for children with special needs and circumstances;

(6) Establish a process to determine the rates in subdivision (5) of this subsection;

(7) Provide for the design of an appropriate database; and

(8) Include an implementation plan.

(b) District contributions shall be based upon property values and income.

(c) The department of administration shall provide recommendations for adjustments to the state and local tax structures to achieve the goals outlined in subdivisions (a)(1) through (8).

(d) The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall consult with various state and private parties which shall include but not be limited to the executive department, legislature, department of administration, league of cities and towns, school committees association, RIPEC, parent groups, teacher groups, and other interested organizations.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-38-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-38 / Section 16-38-4
§ 16-38-4. Exclusive clubs.
Status: in_force

No society, secret or otherwise, no fraternity or sorority, and no club to membership in which less than the entire student body shall be eligible shall be formed in any public school or among the pupils of the public schools; provided, that this section shall not apply to class or school organizations formed and conducted exclusively for the purposes of promoting approved school activities, and subject to supervision and direction by teachers under rules and regulations prescribed by school committees.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-81-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-81 / Section 16-81-1
§ 16-81-1. Right to a safe school.
Status: in_force

(a) Each student, staff member, teacher, and administrator has a right to attend and/or work in an institution of higher education which is safe and secure and which is conducive to learning, and which is free from the threat, actual or implied, of physical harm by a disruptive student. A disruptive student is a person who exhibits persistent conduct, which substantially impedes the ability of other students to learn or otherwise substantially interferes with the rights stated above, and who has failed to respond to corrective and rehabilitative measures presented by staff, teachers, or administrators.

(b) The governing body as designated by each institution of higher education may suspend or expel all students found guilty of this conduct or where a student represents a threat to those rights of students, teachers, or administrators, as described in subsection (a). Nothing in this section shall relieve the institution of higher education from following all procedures required by state and federal law regarding discipline of students with disabilities.

(c) Any decision of the designated governing body shall be subject to appeal by the student as provided by the rules and regulations of each institution of higher education. These procedures shall assure due process which shall include at a minimum time-lines for a prompt hearing; adequate notice to the student stating the rule allegedly violated and giving a specific description of the incident and evidence that will be used against the student; an opportunity prior to the hearings to review any evidence supporting the allegation; an impartial decision maker or team of decision makers; a right to confront and cross-examine witnesses; the opportunity to be represented by counsel; and a written decision setting forth clearly the grounds for the action of the school.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-53-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-53 / Section 16-53-6
§ 16-53-6. Expenses of members.
Status: in_force

The members of the board of trustees shall serve without compensation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-12 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-12
§ 16-2-12. Joint superintendent employed by two or more cities or towns.
Status: in_force

The school committee of two (2) or more cities or towns, in which the aggregate number of schools shall not be more than sixty (60), may by vote unite for the purpose of the employment of a superintendent of the schools of the several cities or towns.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-26-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-26 / Section 16-26-10
§ 16-26-10. Annual report to general assembly.
Status: in_force

The board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall annually in the month of January make a report to the general assembly of the state and condition of the school, and a statement of all expenses incurred for salaries, maintenance, tuition, and other items of current expense, together with an estimate of the amount of money necessary to meet the current expenses of the next year.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-29-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-29 / Section 16-29-4
§ 16-29-4. Notice to department of schools established.
Status: in_force

The superintendent of schools of every city or town shall annually, on or before the first day of October, notify the department of elementary and secondary education in writing of the number and location and hours of session of schools established and maintained by the school committee in compliance with the provision of § 16-29-1, and after this shall give immediate and similar notice of any school or schools subsequently established during the school year.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-26-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-26 / Section 16-26-9
§ 16-26-9. Certificates of proficiency.
Status: in_force

Any child having attended the school for a time or course prescribed by the board, upon leaving the school, shall be entitled to receive a certificate of his or her proficiency from the board.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-23-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-23 / Section 16-23-8
§ 16-23-8. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any part of this chapter is, for any reason, declared void, the invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-19-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-19 / Section 16-19-9
§ 16-19-9. Immunity from liability for costs.
Status: in_force

No officer complaining under any of the provisions of this chapter shall be required to give surety for costs; and the officer shall not in any way become liable for any costs that may accrue on the complaint.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-63-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-63 / Section 16-63-8
§ 16-63-8. State plan for adult education.
Status: in_force

The department shall develop a state plan for adult education, which shall be a document containing: (1) current needs assessment data, (2) statements of the policies, procedures, regulations, and program activities contemplated for carrying out the intent of this chapter, and (3) prevailing or anticipated budgetary and fiscal conditions applicable to it. The state plan also shall contain all the elements prescribed by the federal Adult Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1201 et seq., the federal Vocational Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 2301 et seq., and other applicable federal laws, and any amendments to it, extensions of it, or successor legislation. The state plan shall be renewed every three (3) years, and may be amended or updated annually. The plan and any renewals, amendments, or updates of it shall be subject to approval by the commission, commissioner, and the board.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-53-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-53 / Section 16-53-1
§ 16-53-1. Board established.
Status: in_force

(a) Effective January 30, 2015, there is hereby established a Rhode Island board of trustees on career and technical education hereinafter referred to as the board of trustees.

(b) Effective January 30, 2015, all powers, rights, obligations, and duties of the Rhode Island state advisory council on vocational education shall be transferred to the Rhode Island board of trustees on career and technical education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-97-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-97 / Section 16-97-8
§ 16-97-8. Assessment of student performance.
Status: in_force

(a) The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall implement the state assessment program. The program shall include performance standards and an annual report that disaggregates performance by race, poverty, native language, and gender.

(b) Prior to the graduating class of 2017, no state assessment conducted pursuant to this chapter, and no other standardized testing program or assessment, shall be used to determine a students eligibility to graduate from high school. Any such assessments implemented prior to the graduating class of 2017 shall be used to promote school improvement and to target remediation programs to individual students and groups of students.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-60-13 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-60 / Section 16-60-13
§ 16-60-13. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any provision of this chapter or of any rule or regulation made under it, or its application to any rule or regulation made under it, or its application to any person or circumstance, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the chapter, rule, or regulation and the application of that provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected the invalidity. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-54-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-54 / Section 16-54-4
§ 16-54-4. Reimbursement by the state.
Status: in_force

(a) Each school district shall be reimbursed for expenditures for direct services and instructional programs. Reimbursement shall be made when these services and programs have been carried out in accordance with the requirements of state law and the board of regents regulations relating to programs and services for limited English proficient students.

(b) For each fiscal year the following formula shall be used to distribute aid for limited English proficient students:

(1) The following formula and definitions are to be used to determine the entitlement for each school district for students in programs or services for the limited-English proficient:

(2) In the formula in subsection (b)(1) the terms have the following meanings:

(i) Incentive entitlement means the sum payable to a local school district under this formula.

(ii) Net local cost for limited English proficient programs statewide means the total net instructional expenditure in the reference year defined in §16-7-16 of local schools for the support of programs, or service for limited English proficient students, including the funds distributed pursuant to this chapter, as the sum is determined by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education. Federal funds shall be excluded from reimbursement.

(iii) Full time equivalency students means that time spent by students in an approval program or service reimbursable under this chapter divided by the amount of time in a normal school day.

(iv) Share ratio means the effective share ratio as calculated under §16-7-20.

(3) No school district shall receive for limited English proficient students more than one hundred percent (100%) of its expenditures in the reference year from a combination of state operations aid as calculated in accordance with §§16-7-15 through 16-7-34 and reimbursement aid for limited English proficient students as calculated in accordance with this chapter.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 7 of this title, for each fiscal year not more than five percent (5%) of the funds appropriated under this chapter should be used for departmental expenditures for the administration of this chapter.

(5) If the sum appropriated by the state in any fiscal year for making payments to the cities and towns under this chapter are not sufficient to pay in full the total amount which all cities and towns are entitled to receive for the fiscal year, the maximum amount which all cities and towns are entitled to receive for the fiscal year is to be ratably reduced. In any given year the appropriation for implementation of this chapter shall not exceed two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000).

(6) Reimbursement payments as calculated under this chapter shall be made according to §16-7-17. All payments under this chapter shall be used exclusively to support programs and services for limited English proficient students.

(7) Expenditure reports shall be submitted by the local school districts to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education in accordance with rules and regulations of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education. The commissioner shall make an annual financial and program evaluation report to the legislature on the status of state and local efforts.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-20.5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-20.5
§ 16-7-20.5. Computation of regionalization bonus.
Status: in_force

For each regional school district, a state share shall be computed and multiplied by the reference year cost, as defined under § 16-7-16(11), of the basic program, as defined under § 16-7-16(3). The state share shall equal two percent (2%) for each grade so consolidated for the first two (2) years of operation, diminishing thereafter by one-fourth of one percent (Â¼%) per grade per year, but in no event shall the increased percentage be less than eight percent (8%); provided further, that the individual communities in the Chariho regional districts shall each receive the applicable increased percentage of those grades serviced by the regional school district. Reimbursement payments as calculated under this section shall be made in accordance with the monthly distribution defined under § 16-7-20(c).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-22 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-22
§ 16-16-22. Contributions to state system.
Status: in_force

(a) Prior to July 1, 2012, each teacher shall contribute into the system nine and one-half percent (9.5%) of compensation as his or her share of the cost of annuities, benefits, and allowances. Effective July 1, 2012, each teacher shall contribute an amount equal to three and three quarters percent (3.75%) of his or her compensation. Effective July 1, 2015, each teacher with twenty (20) or more years of total service as of June 30, 2012, shall contribute an amount equal to eleven percent (11%) of his or her compensation. The employer contribution on behalf of teacher members of the system shall be in an amount that will pay a rate percent of the compensation paid to the members, according to the method of financing prescribed in the state retirement act in chapters 8  10 and 10.3 of title 36. This amount shall be paid forty percent (40%) by the state and sixty percent (60%) by the city, town, local educational agency, or any formalized commissioner-approved cooperative service arrangement by whom the teacher members are employed, with the exception of teachers who work in federally funded projects and further with the exception of any supplemental contributions by a local municipality employer under chapter 10.3 of title 36 which supplemental employer contributions shall be made wholly by the local municipality. Provided, however, that the rate percent paid shall be rounded to the nearest hundredth of one percent (.01%).

(b) The employer contribution on behalf of teacher members of the system who work in fully or partially federally funded programs shall be prorated in accordance with the share of the contribution paid from the funds of the federal, city, town, or local educational agency, or any formalized commissioner-approved cooperative service arrangement by whom the teacher members are employed.

(c) In case of the failure of any city, town, or local educational agency, or any formalized commissioner-approved cooperative service arrangement, to pay to the state retirement system the amounts due from it under this section within the time prescribed, the general treasurer is authorized to deduct the amount from any money due the city, town, or local educational agency from the state.

(d) The employers contribution shared by the state shall be paid in the amounts prescribed in this section for the city, town, or local educational agency and under the same payment schedule. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the city, town, or local educational agency or any formalized commissioner-approved cooperative service arrangement shall remit to the general treasurer of the state the local employers share of the teachers retirement on the date contributions are withheld but no later than three (3) business days following the pay period ending in which contributions were withheld. The amounts that would have been contributed shall be deposited by the state in a special fund and not used for any purpose. The general treasurer, upon receipt of the local employers share, shall effect transfer of a matching amount of money from the state funds appropriated for this purpose by the general assembly into the retirement fund.

Upon reconciliation of the final amount owed to the retirement fund for the employer share, the state shall ensure that any local education aid reduction assumed for the FY 2010 revised budget in excess of the actual savings is restored to the respective local entities.

(e) This section is not subject to §§45-13-7 through 45-13-10.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-1-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-1 / Section 16-1-10
§ 16-1-10. Assumption of control of city or town schools by department  School lunch program.
Status: in_force

(a) The school committee of any city or town in which the taxable property is not adequate, at the average rate of taxation for public school support throughout the state, to provide with the money that may be apportioned from the general treasury an amount sufficient to provide and maintain public schools of a high standard, may at a regular meeting held before the first day of July in any year request the department of elementary and secondary education to assume the supervision, control, and management of the public schools of the city or town for the ensuing year; provided that the city or town has appropriated for the support of public schools for the year a sum equivalent to thirty cents (30Â¢) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of the assessed valuation of the city or town. Upon receiving the request the department, if it is satisfied that the request is warranted and that the best interests of the public schools would be served, may assume supervision, control, and management.

(b) The department shall make available in its school lunch program low fat fortified milk with a milk fat content of one percent (1%) or less.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-70-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-70 / Section 16-70-2
§ 16-70-2. Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

It is found and declared as follows:

(1) Rhode Island must continue to develop the educational and career and technical skills of its students for its continued economic development, prosperity, and for maintaining and improving its quality of life.

(2) The present and future workforce requires ever higher levels of educational and career and technical training in order to improve the economic prosperity of our state and nation.

(3) With regard to high school graduation and college going rates, the states low-income students continue to lag behind their peers.

(4) A comprehensive, long-range strategy is essential if this critical problem is to be addressed. This plan will need to incorporate the elements of programs that have demonstrated success in supporting underrepresented, first-generation and low-income students, including appropriate incentives to encourage and support these students toward the goal of graduating from school and pursuing and completing higher levels of education and training.

(5) This plan will require the involvement and support of families, educators, and the community at large, working closely with underserved students, and must provide students with a well-organized and directed advisory program to include intensive orientation and training of these advisors.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-45-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-45 / Section 16-45-2
§ 16-45-2. Curriculum  Certificates.
Status: in_force

The board of regents for elementary and secondary education may authorize the registration of students in the regional vocational schools, arrange the curriculum, and at the completion of a course or courses issue a certificate stating that the student has completed the course and achieved proficiency in the course.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-40-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-40 / Section 16-40-4
§ 16-40-4. Degrees without specific authority prohibited.
Status: in_force

No academy, college, university, or institution of education conducted within this state, nor any officer or member of these, in recognition of the attainment or proficiency of any member of these, scholar, student, subscriber, or other person, in pursuing or graduating from any course or courses of study, arts, or learning conducted by it or another school, corporation, association, or institution, or in recognition of the attainment or achievement of any person, shall admit any person to the grade of a degree by conferring or by participating in conferring any degree upon any person or persons, except under the authority of a charter or articles of association specifically authorizing the granting of degrees, issued in accordance with the laws of this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-57-4.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-57 / Section 16-57-4.2
§ 16-57-4.2. Tuition savings program fund.
Status: in_force

There is hereby established a restricted receipt account in the general fund and housed in the office of postsecondary commissioner to be known as the tuition savings program fund. The purpose of the fund is to receive and disburse scholarship funds pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-57-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-57 / Section 16-57-9
§ 16-57-9. Loans to minors  Loan obligations.
Status: in_force

(a) Any person qualifying for an eligible loan shall not be disqualified to receive a loan guaranteed by the office of the postsecondary commissioner by reason of the person being a minor. For the purpose of applying for, securing, receiving, and repaying a loan, any person shall be deemed to have full legal capacity to act and shall have all the rights, powers, privileges, and obligations of a person of full age with respect to a loan.

(b) No loan obligation incurred by any individual under the provisions of this chapter may be expunged, reduced, or discharged in any proceeding, including any proceeding in federal bankruptcy court. Any individual receiving a loan under the provisions of this chapter shall be required to sign an affidavit acknowledging the loan and agreeing to this condition.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-24.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-24.2
§ 16-16-24.2. Substitute teaching and post-retirement employment related to statewide staffing. [Expires June 20, 2025.]
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any public or general law, or rule or regulation to the contrary, any teacher, administrator, or staff member who has retired under the provisions of title 16, 36, or 45 may exceed the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment upon:

(1) A determination by the local education authority that there exists a specialized need, within their authority, to fill positions on a temporary basis, that may exceed the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment;

(2) Retired teachers, administrators, and staff members being asked to exceed the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment possess the skills, training, and knowledge necessary to help address teacher and administrative staffing shortages; and

(3) The local education authority has notified the state retirement board that it has determined that exceeding the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment is necessary to help address teacher and administrative staffing shortages.

Provided, however, that no employment may be offered to a retiree subject to this section unless the employer has made a good-faith effort each school year to fill the position with a nonretired employee without success, and certifies, in writing, that it has done so to the employees retirement system and to the bargaining agents of all education unions with whom the employer has collective bargaining agreements.

(b) Any teacher, administrator, or staff member who has retired under the provisions of title 16, 36, or 45, and has been employed or re-employed under the provisions of this section, shall not be entitled to additional service credits for such employment, and the teacher, administrator, or staff member shall not be responsible for any contribution to the pension system as a result of the employment; provided, however, the local educational authority shall make the employer contribution for the teacher, administrator, or staff member as if the district had hired a new teacher, administrator, or staff member.

(c) This section shall become effective on June 21, 2024, and unless extended by the general assembly, this section shall sunset on June 20, 2025.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-113-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-113 / Section 16-113-2
§ 16-113-2. Legislative findings and purpose.
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly finds and declares that:

(1) Education is critical for the states young people to achieve their aspirations and develop their talents;

(2) The states economic success depends on a highly educated and skilled workforce;

(3) The states future prosperity depends upon its ability to make educational opportunities beyond high school available for all students;

(4) The coronavirus has inflicted undue hardships on students and their families, creating barriers to a four-year (4) college degree;

(5) A merit-based tuition reduction program will help make a four-year (4) college degree available to all students;

(6) Rhode Island college offers students a feasible opportunity to obtain a four-year (4) degree, but remains an underutilized resource in the state; and

(7) The state of Rhode Islands motto is Hope.

(b) In order to address the findings set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the purpose of this chapter is to increase the number of students enrolling in and completing four-year (4) degrees and certificates on time from Rhode Island college, and to promote more graduates in high-need fields such as nursing, pre-K through grade twelve (12) education, and the trades, which are fields for which Rhode Island college provides a strong and affordable education.

(c) The purpose of the pilot program is also to determine whether a scholarship program for Rhode Island college that is modeled on the promise scholarship program established in chapter 107 of this title would be successful in attaining the goals set forth in this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-37 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-37
§ 16-16-37. Administration.
Status: in_force

(a) The retirement board shall administer and carry out the provisions of §§ 16-16-25  16-16-38, and shall fix the rate of regular interest payable under §§ 16-16-25  16-16-38 to be changed from time to time, based upon the amount of interest earned by the teachers survivors benefit fund. The retirement board shall also cause a study and review to be made of the financial condition of the teachers survivors benefit fund at least once every two (2) years by a qualified actuary who shall report his or her findings and make recommendations to the board.

(b) Any negotiated agreement entered into between any state or municipal agency or department and an employee or employees, whose conditions are contrary to the general laws or the rules and regulations and policies as adopted and promulgated by the retirement board, shall be null and void unless and until approved by formal action of the retirement board, for good cause shown.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-24-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-24 / Section 16-24-2
§ 16-24-2. Regulations of state board.
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the state board of regents for elementary and secondary education to set up regulations for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this chapter; and the regulations shall also be applicable in the administration of all educational programs operated and/or supported by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, human services, and corrections; the department of children, youth, and families and the board of regents shall report to the attorney general for the purpose of enforcing any noncompliance with its regulations for special education. The regulations shall include:

(1) Criteria to determine who is to be included in the category of a child with a disability and all persons from the age of three (3) to twenty-one (21) years who are functionally limited to such an extent that normal educational growth and development is prevented must be included in establishing the category of a child with a disability;

(2) Minimum criteria for establishment and/or reimbursement of special facilities (such as public school classes, hospital schools, etc.) for each category of exceptionality;

(3) Standard accounting procedures including a uniform system of accounts for the determination of the cost of special education and standard reporting requirements, both subject to the prior written approval of the auditor general, and methods of reimbursement;

(4) Teacher training recommendations and minimum teacher qualifications;

(5) Transportation;

(6) Provisions permitting parents, public education agencies, certified public school teachers, support personnel, and their authorized representatives to appeal decisions made pursuant to the regulations; and

(7) Any other regulations the state board of regents deems necessary to implement this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-56-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-56 / Section 16-56-10
§ 16-56-10. Rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

In addition to the powers and duties prescribed in previous sections of this chapter, the office of the postsecondary commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations and take any other actions which will promote the full implementation of all provisions of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-88-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-88 / Section 16-88-3
§ 16-88-3. Planning phase for a demonstration afterschool and summer learning program.
Status: in_force

(a) The Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education shall begin planning an initial, demonstration after school and summer learning program that meets high quality standards, is age/grade appropriate, runs programming during the hours of 3:00 p.m. through 6:00 p.m. during the week, promotes the healthy development of youth, connects to the school day, builds on the existing after school and summer learning infrastructure in the state (including child care, 21st century community learning centers program, child opportunity zones, community-based organizations and public schools), incorporates experiential learning, social/emotional development and project-based activities and serves all children and youth from kindergarten to 12th grade with an emphasis on children and youth who attend high poverty, low performing schools. This planning phase will develop specific goals to expand the demonstration after school and summer learning program over time and will also identify opportunities to strengthen learning opportunities for children and youth.

(b) During this planning phase, the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education will: (1) Quantify the resources needed to achieve and maintain high quality standards based on existing quality standards in after school and summer learning programs; (2) Identify incentives and supports to develop a qualified workforce, including opportunities for professional development, planning time and staff development.

(c) The Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education will begin to develop plans to collect and analyze data regarding the impact of the demonstration after school and summer learning program on participating childrens school achievement, behavior during school hours and social/emotional development.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-50-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-50 / Section 16-50-3
§ 16-50-3. Exceptions from chapter.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall not apply to any course:

(1) Recognized by the state department of elementary and secondary education for purposes of complying in whole or in part with the provisions of § 16-19-1 and § 16-19-2;

(2) Offered by an educational institution accredited by the applicable national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the department of elementary and secondary education; or

(3) Offered by an employer solely to his or her employees at no charge and as part of an in service training program.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-96-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-96 / Section 16-96-2
§ 16-96-2. Purpose.
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter shall be to ensure that each Rhode Island student has a sufficient education for success after high school and that all students have equal access to a substantive and rigorous curriculum that is designed to challenge their minds, enhance their knowledge and skills, and prepare them for success in college and work.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-36 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-36
§ 16-22-36. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history study.
Status: in_force

(a) Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, every public elementary school and secondary school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) history, including the history of AA and NHPIs in Rhode Island and the Northeast, as well as the contributions of AA and NHPIs toward advancing civil rights from the 19th century onward. These events shall include the contributions made by individual AA and NHPIs in government and the arts, humanities, and sciences, as well as the contributions of AA and NHPI communities to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States. The studying of this material shall constitute an affirmation by students of their commitment to respect the dignity of all races and peoples and to forever eschew every form of discrimination in their lives and careers.

(b) The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall make available to all school districts instructional materials that may be used as guidelines for development of a unit of instruction under this section. Provided, however, each school district shall itself determine the minimum amount of instructional time that qualifies as a unit of instruction satisfying the requirements of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-20 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-20
§ 16-7-20. Determination of states share.
Status: in_force

(a) For each community the states share shall be computed as follows: Let

Then the state share entitlement for the community shall be RE where

R = 1  0.5vM/(Vm) through June 30, 2011, and R = 1  0.475 vM/(Vm) beginning on July 1, 2011 and thereafter.

Except that in no case shall R be less than zero percent (0%).

(b) Whenever any funds are appropriated for educational purposes, the funds shall be used for educational purposes only and all state funds appropriated for educational purposes must be used to supplement any and all money allocated by a city or town for educational purposes and in no event shall state funds be used to supplant, directly or indirectly, any money allocated by a city or town for educational purposes. The courts of this state shall enforce this section by writ of mandamus.

(c) Notwithstanding the calculations in subsection (a), the hospital school at the Hasbro Childrens Hospital shall be reimbursed one hundred percent (100%) of all expenditures approved by the council on elementary and secondary education in accordance with currently existing rules and regulations for administering state aid, and subject to annual appropriations by the general assembly including, but not limited to, expenditures for educational personnel, supplies, and materials in the prior fiscal year.

(d) In the event the computation of the states share for any local education agency as outlined in subsection (a) is determined to have been calculated incorrectly after the state budget for that fiscal year has been enacted, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall notify affected local education agencies, the senate president, and the speaker of the house within fifteen (15) days of the determination.

(e) Realignment of aid payments to the affected local education agencies pursuant to subsection (d) shall occur in the following fiscal year:

(1) If the determination shows aid is underpaid to the local education agency, any amounts owed shall be paid in equal monthly installments.

(2) If the determination shows aid was overpaid, the department of elementary and secondary education shall recapture some amount of the aid from the overpaid local education agency. The amount to be withheld shall be equal to the amount of the overpayment prorated to the number of full months remaining in the fiscal year when the notification required in subsection (d) was made.

(f) The above notwithstanding, in no event shall the total paid to a local education agency in the 2023 fiscal year pursuant to subsection (a) be reduced as a result of the implementation of subsection (e); provided, however, that for the 2022 fiscal year, the full amount of any payment due to an underpayment and realignment under subsection (e)(1) shall be made for fiscal year 2022.

(g) Data used for the calculation of the FY 2022 state share ratio shall also be used for the calculation of the FY 2023 state share ratio.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-27 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-27
§ 16-32-27. Establishment of landscaping fund.
Status: in_force

All money received pursuant to the provisions of § 16-52-2(b) shall be deemed to be trust funds for the benefit of the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the Community College of Rhode Island to be held by the general treasurer in a separate rotary fund for each institution which shall be made available to the presidents of the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, or the Community College of Rhode Island to be applied solely for the purpose of improving landscaping and/or parking facilities at the respective colleges as determined by the presidents of these colleges.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-45-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-45 / Section 16-45-4
§ 16-45-4. Regional school established  Appropriation.
Status: in_force

The board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall immediately undertake the construction of a regional vocational school at a site to be selected by the board in an industrial area in the Blackstone Valley. The sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000) is appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the purpose of acquiring a site and for the constructing and equipping the regional vocational school; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of any sums or so much of the sum as may be required from time to time upon receipt by the controller of properly authenticated vouchers.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-22 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-22
§ 16-21-22. Allergic emergencies  Anaphylaxis  Use of epinephrine  Immunity for those administering.
Status: in_force

(a) The department of elementary and secondary education and the department of health shall incorporate into their policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to school health programs a procedure for addressing incidents of anaphylaxis (exaggerated allergic reaction) in order to provide for the health and safety of children who have been medically identified as being prone to anaphylaxis or who show evidence of anaphylaxis. The policies, rules, and regulations shall include a procedure whereby a parent or legal guardian of any child may expressly authorize the school department and school bus drivers and monitors to administer the epinephrine on his or her child in case of an emergency and ensures that the epinephrine is kept in a conspicuous place, readily available, and that their proper use is made known to school personnel. School bus drivers and monitors shall receive training in the administration of epinephrine. To treat a case of anaphylaxis, trained school bus drivers and/or monitors shall administer the epinephrine auto-injector to an identified student.

(b) The policies, rules, and regulations shall also include a procedure to allow children to carry and use prescription inhalers, and auto-injectable epinephrine, while in school, at a school-sanctioned function or event, or in transit to and from school or school-sanctioned function or event by the school bus service provider; when prescribed by a licensed individual with prescriptive privileges. Children who need to carry prescription inhalers and/or auto-injectable epinephrine shall provide the school and the school bus service provider with medical documentation that the inhaler and/or auto-injectable epinephrine has been legitimately prescribed and that the child needs to carry it on his or her person due to a medical condition, but no child shall be disciplined solely for failure to provide this documentation in advance.

(c) Parents shall provide a doctors letter or prescription notifying the school and the school bus service provider of their childs allergy and the need to administer epinephrine in an allergic emergency.

(d) No school teacher, school administrator, or school healthcare personnel, school bus driver, school bus monitor, or any other school personnel shall be liable for civil damages which may result from acts or omissions in use of the epinephrine which may constitute ordinary negligence; nor shall the school personnel mentioned in this subsection be liable for civil damages which may result from acts or omissions in the use of prescription inhalers by children which may constitute ordinary negligence. This immunity does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton conduct. For the purposes of determining immunity from liability under subsection (d) only, the term other school personnel shall include any private entity providing school bus services and individual school bus drivers and monitors employed or otherwise engaged by such school bus service entities.

(e) School physicians may execute standing orders and prescriptions for school nurses to use epinephrine when there are symptoms of anaphylaxis. The school department may permit each school within their jurisdiction to maintain epinephrine in cartridge injections for the purpose of emergency first aid to students who experience allergic reactions. The departments policies, rules, and regulations shall also include the conditions and procedures for the storage and administration of epinephrine for the purpose of emergency first aid to students who experience allergic reactions.

(f) The students parent or guardian is responsible for supplying and replacing, when necessary, all prescription medication that is authorized pursuant to this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-9
§ 16-21-9. Health examinations and dental screenings  Reports  Records.
Status: in_force

(a) Each community as defined in § 16-7-16 shall provide for the appointment of a physician to make examinations of the health of the school children, who shall report any deviation from the normal, and for the preservation of records of the examinations of the children. Each community shall further provide for dental screenings by a licensed dentist or licensed dental hygienist or a licensed public health dental hygienist, with at least three (3) years of clinical experience, who shall report any suspected deviation from the normal, and for the preservation of records of the screenings of the children. Each community shall notify the parents or custodians of children of conditions requiring professional or skilled treatment. The state commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall provide blank forms and record books that he or she may deem necessary for the purposes of this section.

(b) Each community as defined in § 16-7-16 shall contract with a licensed dentist and/or a licensed public health dental hygienist, for the provision of the dental screenings services required by this section. Dental hygienists performing the dental screenings pursuant to the provisions of this section shall do so under the general supervision of the dentist liable and responsible under the contract with the community or within the collaborative agreement guidelines between a licensed public health hygienist and licensed dentist.

(c) Except in emergency circumstances, should a referral by a dentist, dental hygienist, and/or public health dental hygienist of children screened pursuant to the provisions of this section be provided to a dental practice by which the dentist or dental hygienist is employed and/or which the dentist owns, the referral should include the name(s) of one or more dental practices as alternative providers. In the event that a referral has been made in violation of this provision, the community shall terminate its contract with the dentist. In the case of an egregious violation of the referral prohibition contained in this section, that conduct shall be reported to the board of dental examiners.

(d) Each community shall provide to parents or custodians of children who require professional or skilled treatment a list of both dental practices in the community that accept patients insured by medical assistance and/or RIte Care and dental practices that provide services on a sliding scale basis to uninsured individuals. The department of human services shall provide each community with a list containing the addresses and telephone numbers of both dental practices that accept patients insured by medical assistance and/or RIte Care and dental practices that provide services on a sliding scale basis to uninsured individuals.

(e) Dental screenings for children in kindergarten, third, and ninth grade shall only be performed by a licensed dentist or licensed public health dental hygienist.

(f) All dentists, dental hygienists, and/or public health dental hygienists, performing dental screenings pursuant to the provisions of this section, shall meet with the oral health director of the department of health on a regular basis, as determined by the chief.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-50-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-50 / Section 16-50-7
§ 16-50-7. Enforcement proceedings.
Status: in_force

The attorney general or any local prosecuting officer, at the request of the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or on his or her own motion, shall bring any appropriate action or proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the enforcement of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-12-6.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-12 / Section 16-12-6.1
§ 16-12-6.1. Special rules as to Cumberland.
Status: in_force

The school committee of the town of Cumberland in electing teachers shall elect to serve at its discretion all teachers who have served in the schools under its direction for the previous three (3) consecutive school years; provided, that the school committee of the town of Cumberland may elect to serve at its discretion any person who has served more than one previous consecutive year. The school committee of the town of Cumberland may dismiss a teacher within the year of employment in the instance of teachers not employed at discretion, and at any time in the instance of teachers employed at discretion by a two-thirds ( ) vote of the whole school committee for cause, which may be a violation of law, flagrant or persistent violation of the rules and regulations legally prescribed by the school committee, inefficiency, incapacity, insubordination, conduct unbecoming a teacher, or other just cause; provided, that no teacher shall be dismissed unless he or she has received a written copy of the charge or charges against him or her not less than thirty (30) days before the meeting at which the charge or charges are to be considered, and unless the teacher if he or she so requests it has been given a hearing before the school committee, and unless the charge or charges has or have been admitted or substantiated; and provided, further, that nothing in this section shall prevent the retirement of any teacher under a rule of the school committee affecting marriage or for the purpose of chapter 15 of this title; or the retirement at the end of any school year of any teacher whose services may no longer be required by reason of the closing of schools or the discontinuance of classes; and provided, further, that the school committee of the town of Cumberland may suspend any teacher for cause pending a hearing, but that suspension shall not involve loss of salary unless the cause is sufficient to justify dismissal as provided in this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-15-15 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-15 / Section 16-15-15
§ 16-15-15. Payment of grants for teachers retiring after July 1, 1949.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon the passage of §§ 16-15-13  16-15-15 the department of elementary and secondary education and the retirement division in the department of treasury shall apportion the retirement grant into monthly benefits and shall disburse monthly the benefits to all eligible retired teachers under this law.

(b) The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of those sums that may be required from time to time upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the department of elementary and secondary education and the retirement division in the department of treasury.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-97-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-97 / Section 16-97-10
§ 16-97-10. Closing the achievement gap.
Status: in_force

The board of education and council on elementary and secondary education shall adopt a state goal of closing the achievement gaps in third-grade reading and third-grade math for all groups and subgroups of student population by fifty percent (50%) by school year 2020 and closure in its entirety by 2025. The board of education shall direct the council on postsecondary education, in conjunction with the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island, to develop strategies to increase the recruitment of minority teacher-preparation students in an effort to increase diversity in the teaching profession. The board of education, in conjunction with the department of elementary and secondary education and the office of the postsecondary commissioner, shall develop a plan and shall set state goals to close all achievement and opportunity gaps across the PK  20 public system of education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-8
§ 16-21-8. Certified nurse-teacher.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, each school system shall employ certified nurse-teacher personnel certified by the state department of elementary and secondary education; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to those school districts that are currently allowed to share certified nurse-teacher personnel by the department of elementary and secondary education. The school health program as defined in § 16-21-7 shall only be staffed by certified nurse-teacher personnel.

(b) Any person who, as of August 1, 2021, is employed in a Rhode Island school district pursuant to an all grades registered school nurse certificate, but who does not meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, shall be deemed grandfathered into that school district and may continue to be employed pursuant to that all grades registered school nurse certificate within that same school district. If a person so employed seeks employment in another Rhode Island school district as a school nurse-teacher after August 1, 2021, that person shall be subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Each elementary or secondary school with a school-based health center on site shall employ or have on staff certified nurse-teacher personnel certified by the state department of elementary and secondary education to be on site and/or available for consultation, at a minimum, during the school-based health center hours of operation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-90-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-90 / Section 16-90-1
§ 16-90-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as the High School Outcomes Improvement Act of 2009.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-86-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-86 / Section 16-86-4
§ 16-86-4. Reporting deadline.
Status: in_force

(RIBGHE), (OHHS) and (RIDLT) shall submit the aforementioned study to the Rhode Island general assembly by February 1, 2008, with its findings and recommendations, including an assessment of the size of the market for the certification program, the cost and feasibility to establish the program, and, assuming the study deems it feasible, proposed actions and recommendations to establish the Rhode Island community supports academy at the Paul V. Sherlock Center at Rhode Island College. Following the receipt and review of the study, the general assembly may report out a bill to begin establishment of the academy to the regular session of the 122nd legislature.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-96-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-96 / Section 16-96-6
§ 16-96-6. Notice to be given regarding applications for student financial assistance.
Status: in_force

(a) On and after July 1, 2023, the guidance department of every public or private high school in the state shall ensure that notices (the notice) are provided to students and their parent, guardian, or responsible adult, regarding the merit and benefits of completing and filing the FAFSA form (the FAFSA) and the Rhode Island alternative financial aid application form (the alternative application). This notice shall be provided in either the students junior year or no later than November 1 of the students senior year. The guidance department shall determine the form for providing the notice that shall best ensure the information is communicated both to the student and to the students parent, guardian, or responsible adult.

(b) The form of the notice may include, but shall not limited to, a written paper or hard copy writing or an electronic copy. The notice may be provided in multiple formats. A hard copy of the notice shall be kept in the students file.

(c) The notice shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) A general explanation of what the FAFSA and the alternative application are;

(2) The potential merit to and benefits of completing and submitting a FAFSA or alternative application, including, but not limited to, the awarding of financial aid, income or need-based aid, merit and other scholarship money, the Promise Scholarship, and Pell Grants, to pursue postsecondary education;

(3) A general discussion on what financial aid is and the many forms it can take;

(4) General instructions on how to complete each form; and

(5) Links to the applicable websites shall also be included.

(d) The notice may include referrals to organizations, websites, and other resources to provide more detailed instructions on the completion of the forms.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-82-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-82 / Section 16-82-3
§ 16-82-3. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, urban communities means those communities identified to receive targeted aid in § 16-7.1-16.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-39-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-39 / Section 16-39-8
§ 16-39-8. Subpoena power of the department of elementary and secondary education.
Status: in_force

In any hearing conducted within the department of elementary and secondary education, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or the hearing officer shall have the power to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents or other material. Subpoenas shall also be issued by the commissioner or hearing officer at the request of any party participating in any hearing. If not complied with, subpoenas issued under this section shall be enforceable in a contempt action brought in the superior court of Providence County by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or any party in interest.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-114-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-114 / Section 16-114-4
§ 16-114-4. Board of trustees.
Status: in_force

The academy shall be governed by a board of trustees that shall have the powers and duties of a school committee. The board of trustees of the academy on the date of passage of this legislation shall constitute the founding board of trustees of the academy. The council on elementary and secondary education shall thereafter appoint the members of the board of trustees from nominations made by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education. The chairperson of the board of trustees shall also be selected in this manner. The council on elementary and secondary education shall determine the qualifications and terms of office of members of the board of trustees.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-63-15 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-63 / Section 16-63-15
§ 16-63-15. Local support.
Status: in_force

(a) The school committee of each district established pursuant to § 16-7-16(5), in order to insure that adults receive their adequate share of education programs and services, shall be encouraged to allocate local funds within its annual budgets to support appropriate activities within categories 1, 2, 5, and 7, as defined in this chapter.

(b) These allocations for adult education shall not necessarily constitute funds which would not be appropriated by or for the district, and shall be fully included in the calculation and payment of foundation level school support, also known as state aid to education, in accordance with chapter 7 of this title, but shall not be subject to the provisions of §§ 45-13-7 through 45-13-10.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-24-16 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-24 / Section 16-24-16
§ 16-24-16. Approved centers.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of furnishing transportation and providing incidental expenses for the education of minors with intellectual or developmental disabilities, a center approved by the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals shall be decreed to be a school as considered in this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-11 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-11
§ 16-59-11. Investigative powers of board.
Status: in_force

The council on postsecondary education shall have power to investigate all transactions and matters relating to higher public education in the state, including those required pursuant to an interstate, distance-learning reciprocity agreement, and to summon witnesses, administer oaths, and to require testimony and the production of records in like manner and to the same extent as a court of law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-36 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-36
§ 16-21-36. Duty to report  Posting child abuse hotline telephone number.
Status: in_force

Each public or private school in the state shall post a notice that contains the statewide, toll-free telephone number, established and implemented by the department of children, youth and families pursuant to § 40-11-3 for the receipt of reports concerning the suspicion of child abuse and neglect or that a child has been a victim of sexual abuse by another child, in a conspicuous, high-traffic area accessed and widely used by the students in each school.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-23 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-23
§ 16-22-23. Mathematics, English/Language Arts, and Science.
Status: in_force

(a) The board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall select and/or develop a statewide curriculum (i) in Mathematics and English/Language Arts for students in grades kindergarten (k) through twelve (12) by August 31, 2006 and (ii) in Science for students in grades kindergarten (k) through twelve (12) by August 31, 2008.

(b) The curriculum selected and/or developed by the board of regents shall:

(1) Be aligned with state standards and assessments utilized by the state department of elementary and secondary education;

(2) Contain sufficient detail to guide teachers in planning lessons aligned with state standards and assessments.

(c) By November 1, 2006, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall prepare an outline for development and implementation of the science curriculum utilizing appropriate groups and then shall convene a science curriculum advisory committee for the purpose of developing recommended curriculum to the board of regents for elementary and secondary education. The science advisory committee shall include teachers, representatives of teacher unions, administrators, curriculum directors, school committee members, and experts designated by the commissioner.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-29-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-29 / Section 16-29-8
§ 16-29-8. Private instruction in lieu of required attendance.
Status: in_force

Attendance in private schools or private instruction in the English language may be accepted as compliance with this chapter in lieu of attendance on public instruction only if the private instruction is approved by the school committee as substantially equivalent in content, method, and the hours of instruction to the instruction offered in public schools. Persons instructed in private schools, or receiving private instruction in accordance with the provisions of this section, shall be deemed as having acquired reasonable facility in speaking, reading, and writing the English language as provided in § 16-29-7 only after the successful passage by the person of an examination provided for by the school committee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-11 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-11
§ 16-22-11. Pledge of allegiance.
Status: in_force

(a) All public schools, commencing with preprimary school through and including high school, shall commence each day with the following pledge:

(a) I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

(b) Any person not wishing to participate in the pledge of allegiance is exempt from participation and need not participate in the pledge.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-86-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-86 / Section 16-86-3
§ 16-86-3. Input of interested parties.
Status: in_force

(a) In conducting the feasibility study, (RIBGHE), (OHHS) and (RIDLT) will solicit input from a variety of interested parties, including, but not limited to:

(1) Administration and staff of the Paul V. Sherlock Center.

(2) Administrators and faculty from Rhode Island-based institutions of higher education that currently offer coursework and degrees related to special needs adults and children.

(3) Appropriate community organizations that support the advancement of special needs individuals.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-7.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-7.1
§ 16-59-7.1. Permanent status for non-classified employees.
Status: in_force

All non-classified employees of the council on postsecondary education who shall have twenty (20) years, not necessarily consecutive, of service credit, these credits having been earned in either the classified, non-classified, or unclassified service or any combination of these, shall be deemed to have acquired full status in their positions as the status is defined by § 36-4-59; provided that this provision shall not apply to those employees whose base entry date is after August 7, 1996; and provided that this provision shall not apply to faculty employed by the council on postsecondary education nor shall it apply to non-classified employees who have acquired tenure as faculty.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-6
§ 16-32-6. Activities of experiment station.
Status: in_force

The experiment station at the University of Rhode Island shall continue to expend sums of money received from the United States government for experimental work and agricultural extension service, and shall also continue to promote and encourage the work of farm bureaus and expend sums of money received from federal and state appropriations, subject to budgetary control provided by chapter 3 of title 35.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-25 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-25
§ 16-21-25. Review of school safety plans  Exemption from open meetings and public records requirements.
Status: in_force

(a) Each city, town, or regional department school safety plan and school emergency response plans shall be reviewed on an annual basis by the school committee and updated annually. These reviews and updates shall be completed by November 1 of any given year, and by December 31 of that year, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall report to the speaker of the house, the president of the senate, and the governor that such reviews or updates have been completed.

(b) All meetings of school safety teams shall not be subject to and be exempt from the open meetings law pursuant to chapter 46 of title 42, and documents produced by the school safety teams shall not be subject to the access to public records laws as set forth in chapter 2 of title 38.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-18 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-18
§ 16-2-18. Selection of teachers and superintendent  General control of schools  Expenses.
Status: in_force

The selection of superintendent, in any city or towns that do not unite for the employment of a superintendent, and the entire care, control, and management of all the public school interests of the several cities or towns, shall be vested in the school committee of the several cities or towns, and they shall also draw all orders for the payment of their expenses; provided, that these expenses shall not in any fiscal year exceed the total of all revenue appropriated by the state or city or town or otherwise for the public schools under the care, control, and management of the school committee. If, in any fiscal year a school committee is notified that estimated expenses may exceed total available appropriations, the school committee shall adopt and implement a plan to maintain a balanced school budget, which plan shall provide for continuous regular public school operations consistent with the requirements of § 16-2-2; provided, that in no fiscal year shall a deficit be permitted for school operations. It is provided that, with the exception of the selection of the superintendent, the selection and appointment of teachers and other school department personnel shall be made by the superintendent with the consent of the school committee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-33 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-33
§ 16-22-33. Curriculum implementation accountability.
Status: in_force

(a) Once local education agencies (LEAs) select high-quality curriculum and materials pursuant to § 16-22-32, the department of elementary and secondary education (the department) shall identify an LEA assistance partner from within the department to provide any and all support requested by the LEA or individual schools within the LEA regarding access to, implementation of, and professional development for the curriculum and materials.

(b) The LEA assistance partner shall meet with teachers, principals, administrators, or other school officials of the LEA to which they are assigned at a school within the LEA on a regular basis, which shall be no less frequently than every three (3) months, to discuss the progress toward implementing the curriculum and materials effectively. Areas of discussion may include, but are not limited to:

(1) Barriers to learning and plans to eliminate said barriers;

(2) Best practices regarding pedagogical techniques given the diversity of the student population being served;

(3) Where to locate additional professional development resources; and

(4) Implementation strategies that have been successful to share with other LEAs that are using the same curriculum and materials.

(c) The LEA assistance partner shall tour all schools within its assigned LEA with at least one teacher and the principal or assistant principal:

(1) To observe challenges teachers are facing while implementing the curriculum and materials;

(2) To discuss with the teacher and principal or assistant principal ideas to help resolve those challenges; and

(3) To answer any questions regarding the curriculum or implementation thereof.

(d) The LEA assistance partner shall have follow-up meetings at schools within their assigned LEA as often as requested by an individual school or the entire LEA to ensure all educators are comfortable implementing the curriculum effectively.

(e) The LEA assistance partner shall report to the department no less frequently than every three (3) months regarding the status of curriculum implementation at the schools within their assigned LEA.

(f) The commissioner is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

(g) For the purposes of this section, local education agencies (LEAs) shall include all of the following within the state of Rhode Island:

(1) Public school districts;

(2) Regional school districts;

(3) State-operated schools;

(4) Regional collaborative schools; and

(5) Charter schools.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-3-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-3 / Section 16-3-2
§ 16-3-2. Purposes of regional school district schools.
Status: in_force

Regional school districts may be organized for the establishment of schools for the purposes enumerated in this section:

(1) To operate all schools and educational services;

(2) To operate elementary or secondary schools;

(3) To operate vocational or technical schools;

(4) To operate a community college; and

(5) To operate other schools as the people of the regional school district may determine, subject to the approval by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-13-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-13 / Section 16-13-4
§ 16-13-4. Statement of cause for dismissal  Hearing  Appeals  Arbitration.
Status: in_force

(a) The statement of cause for dismissal shall be given to the teacher, in writing, by the governing body of the schools. The teacher may, within fifteen (15) days of the notification, request, in writing, a hearing before the school committee or school board. The hearing shall be public or private, in the discretion of the teacher. Both teacher and school board shall be entitled to be represented by counsel and to present witnesses. The board shall keep a complete record of the hearing and shall furnish the teacher with a copy. Any teacher aggrieved by the decision of the school board shall have the right of appeal to the department of elementary and secondary education and shall have the right of further appeal to the superior court. Any decisions rendered must be approved by a majority of the full board. Members voting on a decision must have been in attendance at the hearing.

(b) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit, or at any time to have prohibited, a school committee in a municipality or regional school district with an elected school committee, or the chief executive officer in a municipality with an appointed school committee from agreeing, in a collective bargaining agreement, to the arbitration of disputes arising out of the nonrenewal, dismissal, and/or suspension of a teacher pursuant to §§ 16-13-2, 16-13-3, and/or 16-13-5.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-42 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-42
§ 16-7-42. Other aid for school housing projects  Effect.
Status: in_force

In the computations of §§ 16-7-35  16-7-47, only that portion of the cost of school housing projects for which no aid has been received from the federal government under the provision of any present or subsequent federal legislation shall be used. In the computations of §§ 16-7-35  16-7-47, the cost of a school housing project shall be reduced by the amount of federal aid and other private and public funding that is applied to the project.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-41 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-41
§ 16-21-41. Trauma-informed schools act commission.
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby established a trauma-informed schools commission (hereinafter the commission). The commission shall meet at least quarterly or approximately four (4) times per year in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. It shall expire on June 30, 2024. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation.

(b) The commission shall be appointed by the council on elementary and secondary education no later than September 30, 2022, and shall be comprised of twelve (12) members: one of whom shall be the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, or designee; one of whom shall be a representative of the RI school superintendents association; one of whom shall be appointed from among the leadership of the states teachers unions; one of whom shall be the child advocate; one of whom shall be a representative of a Rhode Island-based institution of higher education with expertise in child development, child mental and behavioral health, trauma-informed educational practices, or a related field; two (2) of whom shall be representatives of youth-serving community-based organizations that provide direct services to youth who have experienced, or are at high risk of experiencing trauma; one of whom shall be a licensed clinical social worker, who primarily works with youth and/or families; one of whom shall be a representative of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; one of whom shall be the executive director of RI Kids Count, or designee; one of whom shall be the president of Adoption RI, or designee; and one of whom shall be a representative of an organization that engages and/or supports parents of school-age children, with priority given to representation from a parent-led organization.

(c) The department of elementary and secondary education shall provide necessary staff and material support to the commission in the furtherance of its purpose.

(d) The purpose of the commission shall be to assist the department of elementary and secondary education with the implementation of the trauma-informed schools act, as set forth in this section and § 16-21-40.

(e) In furtherance of its purpose, the commission shall undertake such actions as it determines appropriate, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) Conducting a review and assessment of existing trauma-informed school and community-based resources and initiatives across the state;

(2) Informing the development of a trauma-informed school implementation plan and supporting materials, that shall be submitted to the council on elementary and secondary education for approval no later than April 1, 2024;

(3) Researching, identifying, and cataloging state, federal, and philanthropic funding sources that align with the provisions of this section and § 16-21-40;

(4) No later than March 1, 2023, submitting an interim report to the speaker of the house, the president of the senate, and the governor, that provides an update on the commissions initial findings, work plan, and any preliminary recommendations for regulatory or legislative action to promote the implementation of trauma-informed practices in schools; and

(5) No later than June 30, 2024, submitting a final report to the speaker of the house, the president of the senate, and the governor, that details the commissions findings and recommendations for implementing trauma-informed practices in every elementary and secondary school in Rhode Island.

(f) The commission shall elect a chairperson from its membership. A quorum of the commission at any meeting shall consist of at least seven (7) members.

(g) All departments, boards, and agencies of the state shall cooperate with the commission and forthwith furnish any advice and information, documentary and otherwise, as may be necessary or desirable to facilitate the purposes of this chapter.

(h) The department of education is authorized and directed to provide suitable quarters for commission meetings.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-12-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-12 / Section 16-12-2
§ 16-12-2. Employment of school committee member as teacher.
Status: in_force

No member of the school committee of any town shall, so long as he or she continues in office as member of the school committee, be eligible or employed to teach as principal, supervisor, or assistant in any school supported entirely or in part by public money, or to serve as superintendent of schools, within the town in which the member of the school committee resides.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-10
§ 16-32-10. Award of degrees  Curriculum and government.
Status: in_force

The board of trustees, with the approval of the president and a committee of the faculty of the university, shall award academic degrees and diplomas and confer honors in the same manner as is customary in American colleges. It shall also be the duty of the president and a committee of the faculty, with the approval of the board of trustees, to arrange courses of study conforming to all acts of Congress, and prescribe any qualifications for the admission of students and any rules of study, exercise, discipline, and government as the president and committee may deem proper.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-87-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-87 / Section 16-87-3
§ 16-87-3. Planning phase for a prekindergarten program.
Status: in_force

(a) The Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education shall begin planning an initial, pilot prekindergarten program that meets high quality standards, builds on the existing early childhood education infrastructure in the state (including child care, Head Start and public schools) and serves children ages three (3) and four (4) who reside in communities with concentrations of low performing schools. This planning phase will develop specific goals to expand the pilot prekindergarten program over time and will also identify opportunities to strengthen care and learning programs for infants and toddlers.

(b) During this planning phase, the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education will quantify the resources needed to achieve and maintain high quality standards in prekindergarten programs and identify incentives and supports to develop a qualified early education workforce, including opportunities for experienced early childhood educators and paraprofessionals to acquire college degrees and earn early childhood teacher certification.

(c) The Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education will begin to develop plans to collect and analyze data regarding the impact of the pilot prekindergarten program on participating childrens school readiness and school achievement.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-8-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-8 / Section 16-8-3
§ 16-8-3. Acceptance and administration of the Vocational Education Act of 1946.
Status: in_force

The state of Rhode Island accepts the provisions of an act passed by the senate and house of representatives of the United States in congress assembled, entitled An act to amend the act of June 8, 1936, relating to vocational education, so as to provide for the further development of vocational education in the states and territories approved August 1, 1946, and designates the general treasurer as custodian for vocational education funds as required by the act of congress. The general treasurer shall receive and provide for the proper custody of money paid to the state from the general treasury under the provisions of the act of congress and shall disburse the money upon orders drawn by the state controller upon requisitions of the state board of vocational education. The state board for vocational education shall have and shall exercise all powers necessary to cooperate, on behalf of the state, with the federal office of education in the administration of the provisions of the act of congress.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-80-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-80 / Section 16-80-6
§ 16-80-6. Outreach and professional development.
Status: in_force

Through the interagency partnerships, the state school-to-work system shall provide a plan for ongoing outreach activities to inform and organize the school-to-work partnerships on regional and local levels. In establishing a school-to-work system, the state shall:

(1) Redefine what constitutes professional development and develop and implement a plan for professional development and training opportunities for all stakeholders to include pre-service and in-service opportunities for educators and training opportunities for the business community and parents;

(2) Provide professional development in applied techniques and integration of curriculum;

(3) Provide career guidance for teachers and guidance counselors; and

(4) Provide training for worksite mentors.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-48-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-48 / Section 16-48-2
§ 16-48-2. Program rating.
Status: in_force

(a) Commencing June 1, 2025, any person, unincorporated society, association, or corporation desiring to operate a program defined in this chapter shall receive and maintain a rating through Rhode Islands quality rating and improvement system, which rating shall remain in effect unless revoked for cause by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.

(b) [Deleted by P.L. 2023, ch. 350, § 1 and P.L. 2023, ch. 351, § 1.]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-5
§ 16-32-5. Authority over experiment station.
Status: in_force

The board of trustees shall have authority over the experiment station of the university located in the town of South Kingstown.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-18 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-18
§ 16-59-18. Receipts from sources other than appropriations.
Status: in_force

(a) All receipts from all sources other than state appropriations shall not be covered into the general fund of the state, but shall be kept by the general treasurer of the state in a separate fund for the council on postsecondary education, and shall be paid out by the treasurer upon the order of the council, without the necessity of appropriation or re-appropriation by the general assembly.

(b) The council on postsecondary education shall ensure that state colleges have a structure in place to prohibit these colleges from accepting funds that would interfere with or restrict academic freedom at the state colleges. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed in a way as to prohibit a donor from earmarking funds for a particular purpose or use including but not limited to research, scholarships, construction, or development.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-54-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-54 / Section 16-54-3
§ 16-54-3. Regulation of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education.
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education to establish and promulgate regulations for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this chapter. These regulations shall include, but are not limited to:

(1) Criteria for the identification, assessment, placement, and exiting of eligible students;

(2) Criteria for an appropriate educational program or service;

(3) Criteria for the monitoring and evaluation of educational programs;

(4) Administrative procedures for state reimbursement of approved programs and services;

(5) Definitions of responsibilities of the local school committees and the department of elementary and secondary education;

(6) Criteria for parent involvement;

(7) Time line for phasing in services and programs to assure that the process begins and that all eligible children are served.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-5-33 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-5 / Section 16-5-33
§ 16-5-33. Education partnership fund.
Status: in_force

There is created and established a program to be known as the education partnership program. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education is authorized to accept grants and bequests from public and private sources with the approval of the director of administration which shall be deposited as general revenues. In order to carry out the purposes of grants and bequests the commissioner shall oversee the appropriated funds, adopt rules and regulations for the expenditure of these funds, and assess the effectiveness of its programs and projects. The state controller is directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum, or so much of the sum as may be required upon receipt by the controller of vouchers duly authenticated by the commissioner.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-82-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-82 / Section 16-82-4
§ 16-82-4. Targeted school aid.
Status: in_force

Locally or regionally operated school districts shall be eligible for targeted aid if they have a tax effort index below 1.0 as calculated pursuant to § 16-7.1-16 and a free and reduced lunch count in grades K-3 greater than forty percent (40%).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-14 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-14
§ 16-16-14. Retirement for ordinary disability.
Status: in_force

(a) Application for ordinary disability may be made by a teacher, his or her department head, or a person acting in the teachers behalf, while in active service or on leave of absence for illness, provided that the teacher has had five (5) or more years of total service of which at least three (3) consecutive years shall have been as a teacher, and the teacher is not entitled to a regular service retirement allowance. A statement from a physician shall accompany the application stating that the teacher is physically or mentally incapacitated for the performance of duty and that he or she should be retired.

(b) A medical examination of the teacher shall be made by three (3) physicians engaged by the retirement board for this purpose, and should the medical examination show that the teacher is physically or mentally incapacitated for the performance of duty and ought to be retired, the physicians shall so report and certify to the retirement board and the retirement board, may retire the teacher for ordinary disability.

(c) The retirement board shall establish uniform eligibility requirements, standards, and criteria for ordinary disability which shall apply to all members who make application for retirement for ordinary disability.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-83-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-83 / Section 16-83-1
§ 16-83-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Rhode Island Middle School Reform Act of 2004.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-15 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-15
§ 16-22-15. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.
Status: in_force

(a) The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop and prescribe a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training course for public school students in the state. The course shall be established in accordance with the requirements and criteria obtained from the Red Cross and/or the American Heart Association and the director of the department of health.

(b) The department of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate course guidelines including the age or grade level of pupils required to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. This shall at a minimum include psychomotor skill-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and an overview of automated external defibrillator (AED) use for all high school students prior to graduation. Psychomotor skill is defined as the use of hands-on practicing to support cognitive learning. Cognitive-only training does not qualify. Formal certification is not required.

(c) The school committees of the several cities, towns, and school districts shall provide for the incorporation of the course in training in existing health education courses. The department of elementary and secondary education shall establish a procedure for monitoring adherence to this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-11 / Section 16-11-8
§ 16-11-8. Recruitment and selection of teachers  Troops to Teachers.
Status: in_force

(a) The Rhode Island department of education shall, as part of its certification of qualified candidates, utilize and apply for available grants with the Troops to Teachers (TTT) program whose oversight is provided by the United States Department of Defense and managed by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES).

(b) The implementation of the TTT program pursuant to this section shall be contingent upon federal funding. State funds or appropriations shall not be utilized in connection with the implementation of this section.

(c) The commissioner shall promulgate whatever rules and regulations, including the creation of necessary forms and applications, that are required to carry out the provisions of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-113-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-113 / Section 16-113-7
§ 16-113-7. Reporting and disbursement.
Status: in_force

(a) On or before November 10, 2023, and on or before November 10 and May 10 thereafter for every year through and including calendar year 2030, Rhode Island college shall submit a report to the director of the office of management and budget, the state budget officer, the house fiscal advisor, the senate fiscal advisor, the commissioner of postsecondary education, and the chair of the council on postsecondary education, detailing the following:

(1) The number of students eligible to participate in the scholarship program;

(2) The amount of federal and institutional financial aid anticipated to be received by recipient students;

(3) The aggregate tuition and mandatory fee costs attributable to recipient students;

(4) The resulting total cost of the scholarship program to the state; and

(5) The report shall contain such data for both the current fiscal year and the most up-to-date forecast for the following fiscal year. Data reported shall be subdivided by student-year cohort and shall be accompanied by a written explanation detailing the estimating methodology utilized and any impact(s) the forecasted data may present to institutional capacity, operational costs, and the tuition/fee revenue base of the institution.

(b) On or before July 1, 2030, Rhode Island college and the commissioner of postsecondary education shall submit a report evaluating the program based on all cohorts to the governor, speaker of the house, and the president of the senate. This evaluation shall include the following:

(1) The number of students who started in each cohort;

(2) The number of students in each cohort who have attained a degree or certification in an on-time manner;

(3) The number of students in each cohort who have not attained a degree or certification in an on-time manner and an analysis of why that has happened;

(4) The number of students in each cohort who began the program but have been unable to continue or complete the program and an analysis of why that has happened;

(5) The costs of the program and the costs of continuing the program;

(6) Suggestions for ways to increase the success of the program;

(7) Recommendations as to modifying, continuing, expanding, curtailing, or discontinuing the program; and

(8) Any such other recommendations or information as Rhode Island college and the commissioner of postsecondary education deem appropriate to include in the evaluation.

(c) The office of management and budget, in consultation with the office of the postsecondary commissioner, shall oversee the apportionment and disbursement of all funds appropriated for the purpose of the scholarship program.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-19-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-19 / Section 16-19-2
§ 16-19-2. Approval of private schools  Requirements  Review.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter a private school or at-home instruction shall be approved only when it complies with the following requirements: (1) that the period of attendance of the pupils in the school or in the home instruction is substantially equal to that required by law in public schools; (2) that registers are kept and returned to the school committee, the superintendent of schools, truant officers, and the department of elementary and secondary education in relation to the attendance of pupils, and are made the same as registers kept by the public schools; (3) that reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, the history of the United States, the history of Rhode Island, and the principles of American government shall be taught in the English language substantially to the same extent as these subjects are required to be taught in the public schools, and that the teaching of the English language and of other subjects indicated in this section shall be thorough and efficient; provided, however, that nothing contained in this section shall be construed or operate to deny the right to teach in private schools or in at-home instruction any of the subjects or any other subject in any other language in addition to the teaching in English as prescribed in this section; provided, further, that any interested person resident in any city or town aggrieved by the action of the school committee of the city or town either in approving or refusing to approve at-home instruction may appeal the action to the department of elementary and secondary education. The department of elementary and secondary education, after notice to the parties interested of the time and place of a hearing, shall examine and decide the appeal without cost to the parties. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall also grant a hearing to any party aggrieved by a refusal to approve a private school pursuant to § 16-60-6(10). The decision of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall, if an appeal is made to the board, be final.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-15.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-15.1
§ 16-2-15.1. Pawtucket school committee  Abandonment, closing, reopening, or acquisition of school buildings  Public hearings.
Status: in_force

The school committee of the city of Pawtucket, whenever it shall deem it necessary to abandon or close an existing school building for a period of more than six (6) months or acquire or reopen a new school building, by either the purchase or lease of real property, shall conduct a public hearing within the city of Pawtucket for the purpose of addressing the issues of the desirability and necessity for the abandonment, closing, reopening, or acquisition, the reassignment of displaced students to other public education facilities, and the transportation of the displaced students. Any hearing shall be held on a date no more than six (6) months nor less than forty-five (45) days before the date of any abandonment, closing, reopening, or acquisition. The school committee shall give notice of the public hearing specifying the time and place of the hearing by publication of the notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the city of Pawtucket at least two (2) weeks and not more than four (4) weeks prior to the date of the hearing. At the hearing, opportunity shall be given residents of the city interested to be heard upon the proposed abandonment, closing, reopening, or acquisition and other related matters, including the reasonable opportunity to submit written or oral questions to the school committee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-67-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-67 / Section 16-67-5
§ 16-67-5. Definition of educationally disadvantaged students.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, an educationally disadvantaged student is one whose educational readiness or educational achievement is below average for his or her age or grade level in terms of specified expected outcomes in literacy: reading, writing, speaking, listening, or mathematics. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education may include achievement test results, readiness test results, and specified expected student outcomes in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and mathematics in determining service cutoff points.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-3-3.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-3 / Section 16-3-3.1
§ 16-3-3.1. Creation of regional school district planning board.
Status: in_force

(a) The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall order the creation of a regional school district planning board for the purpose of conducting a study of the feasibility of regionalization or other cooperative ventures if any of the following conditions are found to exist:

(1) High school enrollments are below or are projected to be less than one hundred (100) per grade;

(2) Per pupil spending is sixty-six percent (66%) or less of the statewide average for three (3) consecutive years;

(3) The appropriating authority finds that the community does not have the fiscal and economic capacity to provide educational programs consistent with law and regulations, based on factors included but not limited to per pupil assessed valuation, and personal income;

(4) The commissioner of elementary and secondary education determines that a school district does not have the capacity to comply with the Basic Education Program (BEP).

(b) In ordering the creation of a regional school district planning board the commissioner shall determine which cities or towns will be required to participate.

(c) In mandating a regionalization study, the commissioner should make certain that the study address the following questions:

(1) Will regionalization allow the cities or towns to offer a complete K through 12 educational program (in particular, if the town or city currently tuitions out some of its students)?

(2) Will regionalization allow the school system to offer a more comprehensive and/or diversified program for high school students (i.e., advanced language, mathematics, etc., specialized and/or remedial courses)?

(3) Will regionalization, by its size alone, allow savings through economies of scale?

(4) What effect will regionalization have on transportation costs for the school district and transportation times for students?

(5) What effect will regionalization have on class size and will that be beneficial or detrimental to the students classroom performance, socialization skills, and/or participation in school activities?

(6) How will spending per pupil change with regionalization?

(7) Are there weaknesses in the curriculum or programs within a district that can be remedied by regionalization with a district with compensating strengths?

(8) What effect will existing labor contracts and bargaining agreements have on regionalization efforts?

(9) What new or diverse facility requirements will be needed if regionalization occurs and what are the costs of these facilities?

(10) What effect will regionalization have on disadvantaged and special populations within the districts?

(11) Will extracurricular activities and/or the student support services (guidance, library, etc.) be enhanced by regionalization?

(12) Will regionalization permit sufficient local control for all districts involved to assure parents that they have some influence on the education of their children?

(13) Will regionalization take into effect the unique socio-economic and cultural heritage of the participating cities and/or towns?

(14) Will regionalization have any effect on the vocational education program?

(15) Do comparative studies of regionalization in similar areas show improved school quality? and

(16) Do the regionalization plans take into effect projected demographic trends?

(d) The regional school district planning board shall report its findings within eighteen (18) months of its creation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-12-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-12 / Section 16-12-8
§ 16-12-8. Extension of general laws to include certified teachers in state schools.
Status: in_force

(a) The general laws which apply to certified teachers in the cities and towns shall apply equally to certified teachers in state schools.

(b) The provisions of § 16-60-7.2 shall also apply equally to certified teachers in state schools.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-24 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-24
§ 16-16-24. Substitute teaching and employment after retirement.
Status: in_force

(a) Any teacher or athletic coach certified pursuant to chapter 11.1 of this title, who has retired under the provisions of any law of this state, may substitute as a teacher at state schools and in the public schools of this state for a period of no more than ninety (90) days in any one school year without any forfeiture of, or reduction in, the retirement benefits and allowances the teacher is receiving, or may receive, as a retired teacher. Notice of the employment shall be sent monthly to the state retirement board by the school committee employing the teacher and by the employer and by the retired teacher at the end of each teaching assignment.

(b) Any teacher or athletic coach certified pursuant to chapter 11.1 of this title, who has retired under the provisions of any law of this state, may be employed to fill a vacant position (including, but not limited to, employment as a tutor, mentor principal, or mentor assistant principal) by any state school or public school of this state for a period of no more than ninety (90) days in any one school year without any forfeiture of, or reduction in, the retirement benefits and allowances he or she is receiving, or may receive, as a retiree. Notice of the employment shall be sent monthly to the state retirement board by the employer and by the retired teacher. Provided, however, that no employment may be offered to a retiree subject to this section after July 1, 2002, unless the employer has made a good-faith effort each school year to fill the position with a nonretired employee without success, and certifies, in writing, that it has done so to the employees retirement system and to the bargaining agents of all education unions with whom the employer has collective-bargaining agreements.

(c) Any retired teacher or athletic coach may be employed pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), but in no event shall employment exceed ninety (90) days.

(d) The calculation of the ninety-day (90) period in any one school year shall be determined by either of the following methods:

(1) Three (3) hours shall constitute a half day and the number of half days shall be limited to one hundred eighty (180) half days, which shall be the equivalent of ninety (90) full days; or

(2) Each period per day shall constitute one-fifth ( ) of a teaching day. Any teacher hired to teach two (2) periods per day shall be deemed to have worked seventy-two (72) full days per year. The computation is two-fifths times one hundred eighty (  x 180) school days per year, which shall be equivalent to seventy-two (72) full days per year.

(e) Any retired member of the employees retirement system of Rhode Island under title 36 or 45, who is certified as a substitute teacher, may substitute as a teacher at state schools and in the public schools of this state for a period of no more than ninety (90) days in any one school year without any forfeiture of, or reduction in, the retirement benefits and allowances the substitute teacher is receiving, or may receive, as a retiree under any title. The other provisions of subsections (b) through (d) shall also be deemed to apply.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-44.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-44.2
§ 16-7-44.2. Repayment of school housing aid.
Status: in_force

(a) If an audit or subsequent review by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education determines that a community was overpaid school housing aid, the community shall repay the determined amount over a number of years that is calculated by dividing the total amount of the overpayment by the total amount of revenues reported by the school district for the most recently completed fiscal year.

(b) If the percentage derived from section (a) above is one-half percent (0.5%) or less, the community shall repay the entire amount of the overpayment in the same fiscal year in which the overpayment is determined.

(c) If the percentage derived from section (a) above is greater than one-half percent (0.5%), the community shall repay the amount of the overpayment over a number of years that equals the percentage derived from section (a) divided by one-half percent (0.5%).

(d) Repayments of more than one year shall be made in equal installments over the term derived from section (c) above. The department of elementary and secondary education will submit an invoice to the community on July 1st.

(e) If the department of elementary and secondary education has not received the required amount by June 30 of the applicable fiscal year, education aid for the community calculated pursuant to § 16-7.1-15 shall be reduced by the amount due.

(f) If the entire overpayment is not received in full in the first year, interest will be applied annually at a rate equal to the consumer price index.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-73-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-73 / Section 16-73-6
§ 16-73-6. Reporting.
Status: in_force

The department of elementary and secondary education shall provide an annual report by August 1 of each year to the president of the senate and speaker of the house of representatives regarding the number of children and families served, and appropriate outcome data for each program operated by a child opportunity zone.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-80-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-80 / Section 16-80-4
§ 16-80-4. Interagency partnerships.
Status: in_force

A mechanism will be developed as part of the statewide school-to-career system that brings the departments of elementary and secondary education, labor and training, human services and the Rhode Island economic development corporation together to collaboratively support, implement, and maintain the statewide school-to-career system and to provide resources, technical assistance and support to regional and local partnerships. Regional and local partnerships must include employers, local school district representatives, teachers and their unions, post-secondary institutions, labor unions, and students. The roles and responsibilities of the partners will include the following:

(1) The economic development corporation and the department of labor and training will:

(i) Work in collaboration to define regions and major industry clusters in each region; and

(ii) Identify skills needed for growing and emerging businesses and industries.

(2) The department of labor and training, the human resource investment council, and department of elementary and secondary education will:

(i) Work in collaboration to develop employer incentives and guidelines for school-to-career local partnerships;

(ii) Develop a statewide information and delivery system to encourage and facilitate business, labor and education partnerships;

(iii) Develop testing and assessments to measure student knowledge and skills; and

(iv) Provide a state plan for professional development for various constituencies in the regional and local partnerships, and conduct an aggressive and ongoing outreach and marketing campaign.

(3) The human resource investment councils school-to-career subcommittee shall serve as the governing board for the school-to-career system and management team. This subcommittee shall consist of twenty (20) members comprised of: a chairperson who shall be appointed by the governor and be a member of the human resource investment council; the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or his or her designee; the director of the department of labor and training or his or her designee; the chairperson of the human resource investment council or his or her designee; the president of the Community College of Rhode Island or his or her designee; one superintendent of schools and one school principal to be appointed by the governor; two (2) representatives of labor unions appointed by the president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO; four (4) members representing Rhode Island employers to be appointed by the governor; the president of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers or his or her designee; and the president of the National Education Association of Rhode Island or his or her designee and five (5) additional members appointed by the governor based on recommendations from the school-to-career subcommittee to afford the subcommittee the opportunity to recommend potential members from stakeholder groups that are underrepresented on that subcommittee.

(4) The private industry councils, regional employment and training boards, and collaboratives will:

(i) Serve as the connectors between schools and the business community;

(ii) Provide technical assistance to employers and educators;

(iii) Provide training for workplace and school-site mentors; and

(iv) Collect data on post-program outcomes.

(5) The interagency transition council, created by § 16-24-18, will serve as the liaison on behalf of individuals with disabilities consistent with the mandate of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-45-11 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-45 / Section 16-45-11
§ 16-45-11. Legislative career and technical education commission established.
Status: in_force

(a) Commission established. There is hereby established a special joint legislative study commission on career and technical education commission. Said career and technical education study commission shall consist of twelve (12) members: six (6) members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives from among the members of the house of representatives, not more than five (5) of whom shall be from the same political party; six (6) members shall be appointed by the president of the senate from among the members of the senate, not more than five (5) of whom shall be from the same political party.

(b) Purpose. The purpose of the career and technical education study commission shall be to make a comprehensive examination of the issues relating to the governance, financing, and operation of the system of career and technical education in Rhode Island in order to guide the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Restructuring Career and Technical Education in Rhode Island report as prepared and presented by the career and technical education task force (March 2000). The focus of the career and technical education study commission shall include, but not be limited to, the following: to promote Rhode Islands education and economic development by providing guidance for the development of a statewide system for career and technical education, utilizing effective and proven career and technical education delivery models; implementing an effective system of governance, including protection for the student rights of those students interested in engaging in career and technical education; financing and maintaining state of the art equipment, facilities, and programming, including ensuring student access to the same across the district and geographic boundaries; and strengthening career and technical education programming designed to meet the labor needs of Rhode Island business and industry, as well as to support and advance Rhode Islands economy.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-106-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-106 / Section 16-106-2
§ 16-106-2. Public postsecondary performance incentive funding.
Status: in_force

The commissioner of postsecondary education is hereby directed to implement a performance incentive funding formula that meets the requirements of this chapter, in consultation with the council on postsecondary education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-39-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-39 / Section 16-39-3
§ 16-39-3. Appeal to state board of regents.
Status: in_force

Any decision of the commissioner in these matters shall be subject to an appeal to and review by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-42 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-42
§ 16-21-42. Diabetes informational material.
Status: in_force

(a) The department of education (RIDE), in consultation with the department of health, shall develop type 1 diabetes informational materials for the parents and guardians of students. The informational materials shall be made available to each school district, charter school, and mayoral academy through RIDEs website. The informational materials shall be provided in a multilingual format set forth in at a minimum, the three (3) most common foreign languages used by the parents of public school students.

(b) On and after January 1, 2025, the governing board of each school district and governing body of a charter school and mayoral academy shall make the type 1 diabetes informational materials accessible to the parent or guardian of every student when the student is first enrolled in elementary school.

(c) Information provided to parents and guardians pursuant to this section may include, but shall not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) A description of type 1 diabetes.

(2) A description of the risk factors and warning signs associated with type 1 diabetes.

(3) A recommendation regarding those students displaying warning signs associated with type 1 diabetes that the parents or guardians of those students should immediately consult with the students primary care provider to determine if immediate screening for type 1 diabetes is appropriate.

(4) A description of the screening process for type 1 diabetes and the implications of test results.

(5) A recommendation that, following a type 1 diagnosis, parents or guardians should consult with the students primary care provider to develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include consultation with and examination by a specialty care provider, including, but not limited to, a properly qualified endocrinologist.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-112-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-112 / Section 16-112-2
§ 16-112-2. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this section:

(1) Apprenticeship means an apprenticeship program that meets the standards established in the National Apprenticeship Act, 29 C.F.R. Part 29, and that is registered with the department of labor and training.

(2) Board means the board of education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-8-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-8 / Section 16-8-9
§ 16-8-9. Administration of program.
Status: in_force

The department of elementary and secondary education may enter into any agreements, with any agency of the federal government, with any school board, or with any other agency or person, prescribe any regulations, employ any personnel, and take any action, that it may deem necessary to provide for the establishment, maintenance, operation, and expansion of any school lunch program, and to direct the disbursement of federal and state funds in accordance with existing provisions of the federal and state laws. The department of elementary and secondary education may give technical advice and assistance to any school board in connection with the establishment and operation of any school lunch program and may assist in training personnel engaged in the operation of these programs. The department of elementary and secondary education may accept any gift for use in connection with any school lunch program.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-87-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-87 / Section 16-87-2
§ 16-87-2. Findings.
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly hereby finds that attending high quality early childhood education programs help children develop important social and cognitive skills and knowledge that prepares children to succeed in school. Research has shown long-lasting benefits for children who participate in very high quality, educationally focused early childhood programs. The benefits to children can also generate substantial government cost savings, including reduced need for special education services, reduced need for cash assistance and other public benefits, and reduced rates of incarceration.

(b) The general assembly finds that there are substantial numbers of children in Rhode Island entering kindergarten who are not adequately prepared to succeed in school. Early school failure may ultimately contribute to such children dropping out of school at an early age, failing to achieve their full potential, becoming dependent upon public assistance, or becoming involved in criminal activities.

(c) Furthermore, the general assembly finds that there is an existing infrastructure of early childhood programs in Rhode Island serving preschool age children in full-day and half-day programs that is supported through state and federal investments in child care, Head Start and special education. It is the goal of the general assembly to support a system of publicly-funded, high quality prekindergarten education programs that are operated through a diverse delivery network, including child care, Head Start and public school districts.

(d) By enacting this law, the general assembly acknowledges the need to adequately prepare all children to succeed in school by providing access to publicly-funded high quality prekindergarten education programs.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-98-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-98 / Section 16-98-4
§ 16-98-4. Powers and duties of department.
Status: in_force

(a) Guidelines. The department shall promulgate rules, regulations, and procedures necessary for the implementation of this chapter including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) In consultation with the College Board, certify those teacher-training entities that are qualified to provide training of teachers to teach advanced placement courses in the four (4) core academic areas;

(2) In certifying teacher-training entities for this program, the department shall ensure that the training times and locations will be geographically accessible for teachers from eligible school entities to attend;

(3) The department, in consultation with the College Board, shall ensure that training provided by those teacher-training entities must provide teachers of advanced placement courses with the necessary content knowledge and instructional skills to prepare students for success in advanced placement courses and examinations;

(4) Starting at the end of the first year of the program, and every year thereafter, the department shall issue a report to the general assembly on the advanced placement teacher-training program that shall include, but not be limited to:

(i) The number of teachers receiving training in advanced placement instructions in school entities, school districts and high schools in each of the four (4) core academic areas.

(ii) The number of students taking advanced placement courses at school entities in each of the four (4) core academic areas.

(iii) The number of students scoring a three (3) or more on an advanced placement examination at school entities in each of the four (4) core academic areas.

(iv) The remaining unmet need for trained teachers in school entities that do not offer advanced placement courses.

(v) The number of students taking advanced placement courses who do not take the advanced placement examination.

(vi) The number of students below the poverty level who take advanced placement courses.

(vii) The number of students below the poverty level who take advanced placement courses and do not take the advanced placement examination; and

(5) In consultation with local education authorities, ensure that the opportunity to participate in the advanced placement program and gain college credit is available to the greatest number of students as practicable.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the board of education, through the department, from expanding the program to include other nationally accepted courses of study that provide students an opportunity to gain college credits from classes taken in high school.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-12-3.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-12 / Section 16-12-3.1
§ 16-12-3.1. Period of silent meditation.
Status: in_force

At the opening of every school day in all grades in all public schools the teacher in charge of the room in which each class is held shall announce that a period of silence not to exceed one minute in duration shall be observed for meditation, and during this period silence shall be maintained and no activities engaged in.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-112-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-112 / Section 16-112-1
§ 16-112-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Apprenticeship Pathways to Earning a Bachelors Degree Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-22 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-22
§ 16-59-22. Applicability of merit system  Teacher certification  List of positions transferable to classified service.
Status: in_force

(a) The appointment, promotion, salaries, tenure, and dismissal of administrative, instructional, and research employees, and secretarial employees not exceeding ten (10) in number, and armed college police officers of the state colleges shall not be subject in any manner or degree to control by the personnel administrator or by any officer or board other than the council on postsecondary education.

(b) All positions that are exempt from the merit system law, chapter 4 of title 36, which become vacant or that are to be established, must be forwarded to the personnel administrator, who, in consultation with the deputy assistant commissioner of education in charge of personnel and labor relations, shall determine whether the position(s) in question shall remain in the council on postsecondary education non-classified service or be established in the classified service of the state.

(c) No position presently in the classified service of the state subject to the merit system law, chapter 4 of title 36, shall be changed or modified so as to establish the position in the council on postsecondary education non-classified service.

(d) Faculty positions, presidents, vice presidents, deans, assistant deans, and student employees of the higher-education institutions shall not be covered by the preceding provisions and shall remain in the council on postsecondary education non-classified service.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-29 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-29
§ 16-32-29. Applied engineering laboratory.
Status: in_force

The applied engineering laboratory building at the Kingston campus of the University of Rhode Island shall be officially named and known as the Chester H. Kirk Applied Engineering Laboratory.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-40-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-40 / Section 16-40-9
§ 16-40-9. Prosecution of violations  Forfeiture of charter.
Status: in_force

The district court for the sixth division is empowered, upon the filing of a complaint in writing, duly verified, which verification when made by the department of elementary and secondary education or the office of higher education may be made upon information and belief that any person has violated the provisions of this chapter, to issue process in the nature of a summons at the suit of the department or office as plaintiff; the summons shall be returnable in not less than five (5) and not more than fifteen (15) entire days; the process shall state in what respect this chapter has been violated by the defendant or defendants, and upon the return of the process, or at any time to which the trial shall be adjourned, the court shall proceed in a summary manner to hear testimony and to determine and give judgment in the matter, without the filing of any further pleadings for the plaintiff, for the recovery of the penalty with costs, or for the defendant or defendants, and the court shall, if judgment is rendered for the plaintiff, cause the defendant or defendants other than a body corporate who may refuse or fail immediately to pay the amount of the judgment rendered against the defendant or defendants, and all the costs and charges incident to it, to be imprisoned for any period not exceeding ninety (90) days. Upon any conviction under this section, the department or office shall immediately file in the office of the secretary of state as a public record the name of the corporation convicted or the name of any corporation whose officer or agent shall have been convicted, and upon filing, the charter or articles of association of the corporation shall become forfeited by reason of the conviction and the corporation shall cease to be a body corporate, except as provided in § 7-1.2-1324, and the secretary of state shall immediately mail a notice of the forfeiture of charter or articles of association to the corporation at its last known address, but failure to receive the notice shall not invalidate the notice.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-107-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-107 / Section 16-107-5
§ 16-107-5. Administration of scholarship program.
Status: in_force

(a) The financial aid office, in conjunction with the office of enrollment management or their respective equivalent offices, at the community college of Rhode Island, shall administer the scholarship program for state residents seeking associate degrees who meet the eligibility requirements in this chapter.

(b) An award of the scholarship program shall cover the cost of two (2) years of tuition and mandatory fees, less federal and all other financial aid monies available to the recipient student. No grant received by students from the College Crusade Scholarship Act as established in chapter 70 of this title shall be considered federal or financial aid for the purposes of this chapter.

(c) The scholarship program is limited to one award per student as required by § 16-107-6(a)(7).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-9
§ 16-22-9. Uniform testing.
Status: in_force

The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall establish a program for uniform achievement testing of pupils in elementary and secondary schools in the state. Pupils attending public schools shall be administered tests under the supervision of the state department of elementary and secondary education in accordance with the program. Pupils attending nonpublic elementary and secondary schools approved in accordance with the provisions of the general and public laws of the state may, upon request of the nonpublic school, be administered tests under the supervision of the state department of elementary and secondary education in accordance with the programs.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-18 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-18
§ 16-22-18. Health and family life courses.
Status: in_force

(a) Every secondary school teaching courses in family life or sex education within this state shall include, as part of the course instruction, abstinence from sexual activity and refraining from sexual intercourse as the preferred method of pregnancy prevention and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Provided further, part of the course instruction may incorporate age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate elements of effective and evidence-based programs on the law and meaning of consent. Such age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate elements of effective and evidence-based programs on the prevention of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual violence may include instruction that increases student awareness of the fact that consent is required before sexual activity.

(b) Upon written request to the school principal, a pupil not less than eighteen (18) years of age or a parent or legal guardian of a pupil less than eighteen (18) years of age, within a reasonable period of time after the request is made, shall be permitted to examine the curriculum program instruction materials at the school in which his or her child is enrolled.

(c) A parent or legal guardian may exempt his or her child from the program by written directive to the principal of the school. No child so exempted shall be penalized academically by reason of the exemption.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-24 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-24
§ 16-7-24. Minimum appropriation by a community for approved school expenses.
Status: in_force

Each community shall appropriate or otherwise make available to the school committee for approved school expenditures during each school year, to be expended under the direction and supervision of the school committee of that community, an amount, which, together with state education aid and federal aid: (1) shall be not less than the costs of the basic program during the reference year, (2) plus the costs in the reference year of all optional programs shared by the state; provided, however, that the state funds provided in accordance with § 16-5-31 shall not be used to supplant local funds. The board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall adopt regulations for determining the basic education program and the maintenance of local appropriation to support the basic education program. A community that has a local appropriation insufficient to fund the basic education program pursuant to the regulations described in this section and all other approved programs shared by the state and required in law shall be required to increase its local appropriation in accordance with § 44-5-2 or find efficiencies in other non-education programs to provide sufficient funding to support the public schools. The city of Central Falls annual local contribution to education shall be determined pursuant to subsection 16-7.2-6(d).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-27 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-27
§ 16-21-27. Alternative education programs.
Status: in_force

Each school district shall adopt a plan to ensure continued education of students who are removed from the classroom because of a suspension of more than ten (10) days or who are chronically truant. The plan shall be adopted by the school committee and shall be submitted to Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education as part of its annual strategic plan submission.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-57-6.5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-57 / Section 16-57-6.5
§ 16-57-6.5. Annual audited financial report to the governor and general assembly.
Status: in_force

(a) The treasurer shall submit to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the secretary of state an annual, audited financial report, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, on the operations of the tuition savings program by November 1 of each year. The annual audit shall be made either by the auditor general or by an independent, certified public accountant approved by the auditor general and shall include direct and indirect costs attributable to the use of outside consultants, independent contractors, and any other persons who are not state employees.

(b) The annual audited financial report shall be supplemented by the following information, to be submitted by April 1 of each year, on the operations of the program for the previous calendar year:

(1) A summary of the benefits provided by the tuition savings program including the number of participants and beneficiaries;

(2) Any other information that is relevant in order to make a full, fair, and effective disclosure of the assets and operations of the program; and

(3) The foregoing supplemental information shall be posted electronically on the general assemblys and the secretary of states websites as prescribed in § 42-20-8.2. The treasurer shall be responsible for the enforcement of this provision.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-92-16 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-92 / Section 16-92-16
§ 16-92-16. Member states, effective date and amendment.
Status: in_force

(a) Any state is eligible to become a member state.

(b) The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less than ten (10) of the states. The effective date shall be no earlier than December 1, 2010. Thereafter it shall become effective and binding as to any other member state upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of non-member states or their designees shall be invited to participate in the activities of the interstate commission on a non-voting basis prior to adoption of the compact by all states.

(c) The interstate commission may propose amendments to the compact for enactment by the member states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the interstate commission and the member states unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the member states.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-39-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-39 / Section 16-39-7
§ 16-39-7. Costs in matters appealable under chapter.
Status: in_force

In any civil suit before any court against any school officer for any matter which might by this chapter have been heard and decided by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, no costs shall be taxed for the plaintiff if the court is of the opinion that the officer acted in good faith.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-38-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-38 / Section 16-38-10
§ 16-38-10. Power of officials to visit schools.
Status: in_force

Any school receiving aid from the state, either by direct grant or by exemption from taxation, may be visited and examined by the school committee of the city or town in which the school is situated, and by the board of elementary and secondary education or its duly authorized agents, and by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or the commissioners duly authorized agents, when they shall deem it advisable.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-13-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-13 / Section 16-13-7
§ 16-13-7. Continuity unimpaired by military service.
Status: in_force

Absence from teaching because of serving ones country shall not impair the continuing service status.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-97-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-97 / Section 16-97-4
§ 16-97-4. Change of former names.
Status: in_force

Effective January 1, 2013, the term Rhode Island Board of Education shall be used in lieu of any then existing law reference made to the board of regents for elementary and secondary education and/or the board of governors for higher education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-15 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-15
§ 16-16-15. Amount of ordinary disability benefit.
Status: in_force

Upon retirement for ordinary disability under § 16-16-14, a teacher shall receive a benefit equal to the rate prescribed for service retirement under § 16-16-13 subject to the provisions of § 16-16-20; provided, however, that no teacher retiring with less than ten (10) years of total service shall receive a benefit less than he or she would have received if he or she had ten (10) years of total service.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-78-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-78 / Section 16-78-1
§ 16-78-1. Allergic emergencies  Anaphylaxis  Use of epinephrine  Immunity for those administering.
Status: in_force

(a) Every institution of higher learning in the state and the department of health shall incorporate into their policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to school health programs a procedure for addressing incidents of anaphylaxis (exaggerated allergic reaction) in order to provide for the health and safety of students who have been medically identified as being prone to anaphylaxis. These policies, rules, and regulations shall include a procedure where a student may expressly authorize the school to administer epinephrine on the student in case of an emergency.

(b) Students shall provide a doctors letter or prescription notifying the school of their allergy and the need to administer epinephrine in an allergic emergency.

(c) No school teacher, school administrator, or school health care personnel shall be liable for civil damages which may result from acts or omissions in use of epinephrine which may constitute ordinary negligence. This immunity does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton conduct.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-28.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-28.2
§ 16-21-28.2. Requirements for glucagon administration in a school setting.
Status: in_force

(a) The department of elementary and secondary education and the department of health shall incorporate into their policies, rules and regulations for addressing incidents of hypoglycemia resulting in unconsciousness, seizure and/or the inability to swallow in order to provide for the health and safety of children who have been medically identified as having diabetes. The policies, rules and regulations shall include procedures whereby:

(1) A parent or legal guardian of any child may expressly authorize school employees or those employed on behalf of the school, for when there is no school nurse immediately available, to administer glucagon on such child in case of an emergency, while at school or school-sponsored activities;

(2) The glucagon shall be kept in a conspicuous place, readily available; and

(3) Glucagon administration training may be provided by a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practiced registered nurse, or registered nurse, however in no case shall school nurse teachers be required to provide training; and the school administration shall allow staff to voluntarily assist with the emergency administration of glucagon when authorized by a parent or legal guardian.

(b) A school employee, including administrative staff, shall not be subject to penalty or disciplinary action for refusing to be trained in glucagon administration.

(c) A parent or legal guardian shall provide a diabetes management plan or physicians order, signed by the students health care provider, that prescribes the care and assistance needed by the student including glucagon administration.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-57-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-57 / Section 16-57-4
§ 16-57-4. Authorization and powers.
Status: in_force

(a) The office of the commissioner of postsecondary education is hereby granted and authorized to use all of the powers set forth in this chapter for the purposes of guaranteeing eligible loans to students in eligible institutions and to parents of those students and administering other programs of postsecondary student financial assistance assigned by law to the commissioner of postsecondary education.

(b) The exercise by the commissioner of postsecondary education of the powers conferred by this chapter shall be deemed and held to be the performance of an essential governmental function of the state for public purposes. It is the intent of the general assembly by the passage of this chapter to vest in the commissioner all powers, authority, rights, privileges, and titles that may be necessary to enable it to accomplish the purposes set forth in this section and this chapter, and the powers granted by it shall be liberally construed in conformity with these purposes.

(c) Except as provided in § 16-57-6.1, effective July 1, 2025, or upon approval by the U.S. Department of Education, whichever is later:

(1) All functions formerly administered by the Rhode Island higher education assistance authority and by the Rhode Island division of higher education assistance are hereby transferred to the office of postsecondary commissioner;

(2) The office of postsecondary commissioner shall assume all rights, duties, assets, liabilities, and obligations of the former Rhode Island higher education assistance authority and the Rhode Island division of higher education assistance. The office of postsecondary commissioner shall be considered to be the successor in interest to both the Rhode Island higher education assistance authority and the Rhode Island division of higher education assistance; and

(3) All contracts and agreements of whatsoever kind of the Rhode Island higher education assistance authority and by the Rhode Island division of higher education assistance are hereby assigned, transferred to, and assumed by the office of postsecondary commissioner.

(d) Upon the completion of the transfer, the Rhode Island division of higher education assistance shall cease to exist. Whenever in any general law, public law, or rule or regulation reference is made to the Rhode Island higher education assistance authority, or the Rhode Island division of higher education assistance, the reference shall be deemed to refer to and mean the office of postsecondary commissioner.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-3-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-3 / Section 16-3-3
§ 16-3-3. Regional school educational services.
Status: in_force

Regional school districts formed under the provisions of this chapter to operate any one of the types of schools listed in § 16-3-2 may establish any one or more of the following types of services for all the pupils of the regional school district if so specified in the agreement:

(1) To provide education for individuals with disabilities;

(2) To provide transportation for all schools in the regional district;

(3) To provide school health services;

(4) To provide guidance services;

(5) To provide either general supervisory services for all the schools of the area or supervisory services in some special field such as vocational education; and

(6) To provide other educational services as the people of the regional district may determine, subject to approval by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-63-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-63 / Section 16-63-4
§ 16-63-4. Rights of adults.
Status: in_force

The applicable provisions of the laws of the state or local governments, and of any regulations or policies arising from these, shall be construed to include adults and young persons as the recipients and beneficiaries of education; adults shall not be subject to compulsory attendance pursuant to chapter 19 of this title. Provided, nothing in this chapter shall be construed as a mandate to any city or town to provide any compulsory educational program nor shall requirements contained in this chapter supplant requirements for the education of individuals with disabilities between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) years pursuant to §§ 16-24-1 and 16-24-2.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-92-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-92 / Section 16-92-1
§ 16-92-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-33-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-33 / Section 16-33-9
§ 16-33-9. Assent to federal provisions for college housing.
Status: in_force

All proceeds of the loan or loans received by the board of governors for higher education for the construction of housing facilities for the Rhode Island College shall be paid to the general treasurer of the state and deposited by the treasurer in a separate fund to be known as the Rhode Island College housing loan fund.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-5
§ 16-21-5. Uniform fire code or drill tactics  Reports.
Status: in_force

(a) It shall be the duty of the department of elementary and secondary education or the office of higher education, as appropriate, to formulate a uniform fire code or drill tactics to be used in all schools in accordance with §16-21-4 and to furnish a sufficient number of copies for use in all schools together with forms for reporting to the fire department of the city or town in which the schools are located and to the department or office. These forms shall be furnished by the department or office to all schools and shall be substantially as follows:

(b) In the case of colleges, universities, and postsecondary institutions, these reports shall remain on the premises available for review by fire officials.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-69-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-69 / Section 16-69-2
§ 16-69-2. Definition of state-local support.
Status: in_force

(a) In defining the percentage of state support to fund elementary and secondary education, the states share shall be defined to include appropriations for the following:

(1) Chapter 4 of this title, Permanent School Fund;

(2) Chapter 5 of this title, State Aid;

(3) Chapter 7 of this title, Foundation Level School Support;

(4) Chapter 15 of this title, Teachers Pension;

(5) Chapter 23 of this title, Textbooks;

(6) Chapter 24 of this title, Children with disabilities;

(7) Chapter 25 of this title, Education of children who are Deaf or Blind;

(8) Chapter 42 of this title, Education of Gifted Children;

(9) Chapter 45 of this title, Regional Vocational Schools;

(10) Chapter 54 of this title, Education of Limited-English Proficient Students;

(11) Chapter 67 of this title, Rhode Island Literacy and Drop-Out Prevention Act; and

(12) Other educational laws as may be enacted by the general assembly.

(b) The local percentage shall be defined to include all city and town revenues the school district obtains, excluding fees from admissions to school events, and federal aid.

(c) In determining the local percentage of school aid, the board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall adopt rules and regulations pertaining to the definition.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-36 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-36
§ 16-32-36. Freedom from budget and lease control by other agencies.
Status: in_force

In order that the board of trustees may control the personnel and equipment of the university in the interest of educational efficiency, the board and the university are exempt from the provisions of § 35-3-1(a)(5) relating to the employment of personnel, and from any provision of § 42-20-8 that relates to the director of administration.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-103-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-103 / Section 16-103-2
§ 16-103-2. Social media password requests prohibited.
Status: in_force

No educational institution shall:

(1) Require, coerce, or request a student or prospective student to disclose the password or any other means for accessing a personal social media account;

(2) Require, coerce, or request a student or prospective student to access a personal social media account in the presence of the educational institutions employee or representative; or

(3) Require or coerce a student or prospective student to divulge any personal social media account information.