R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-12-11 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-12 / Section 16-12-11
§ 16-12-11. Educator evaluations.
Status: in_force

(a) Any board of education-approved educator evaluation system for tenured teachers shall include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:

(1) Any teacher who obtains or earns a rating of highly effective, or a number 4, or any equivalent thereof shall, subsequent to such evaluation, be evaluated not more than once every three (3) years thereafter.

(2) Any teacher who obtains or earns a rating of effective, or a number 3, or any equivalent thereof shall, subsequent to such evaluation, be evaluated not more than once every two (2) years thereafter.

(3) An annual conference shall be required for any highly effective or effective teacher included in subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) herein. Said conference shall be in accordance with a process and scope determined by each school districts educator evaluation committee.

(b) The provisions of this section shall not prohibit annual evaluations in circumstances including, but not limited to:

(1) Any teacher who may request an annual evaluation; or

(2) Any teacher during his or her first year teaching under a new teaching certificate.

(c) Any non-tenured teacher shall be evaluated annually.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions contained in subsection (a), principals may observe a teachers classroom and classroom instruction at any time.

(e) Notwithstanding the provisions contained in subsection (a), nothing herein shall preclude more frequent educator evaluations if they are included in a local school districts negotiated collective bargaining agreement entered into after July 1, 2014.

(f) Notwithstanding the provisions contained in subsection (a), any concerns about a teachers performance that arise at anytime shall be handled in accordance with local school district personnel policies and negotiated collective bargaining agreements.

(g) Any regulations of the department of education providing for the evaluation of teachers shall be modified to conform with the provisions and schedule set forth herein; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to direct the department of education to act so as to jeopardize any current funding from a race to the top grant received by the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-38-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-38 / Section 16-38-8
§ 16-38-8. Offer to pay school official for sale of equipment.
Status: in_force

No person shall offer to any public school officer any fee, commission, or compensation as an inducement to effect through the officer any sale or promotion of sale or exchange of any school book, map, chart, or school apparatus.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-9.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-9.2
§ 16-59-9.2. Military tuition waiver.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of the general or public laws to the contrary, an applicant who is a member of the armed forces or reserves of the United States and is currently stationed in Rhode Island shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at Rhode Island public universities, colleges or community colleges. The council on postsecondary education shall prescribe rules and regulations as may be necessary for the implementation of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-15-14.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-15 / Section 16-15-14.1
§ 16-15-14.1. Additional retirement grants for state college and school teachers  Payment.
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly shall also annually appropriate a sum sufficient to pay an additional retirement grant which when added to the existing pension will provide for the payment of a pension of not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) annually to every retired teacher who qualified for and is receiving retirement benefits for teaching at Rhode Island College, the University of Rhode Island, or other state schools whose present annual pension is less than two thousand dollars ($2,000). This additional grant shall be an annual state grant and shall be in addition to any and all amounts being paid from the state pension or retirement system and shall be administered by the retirement division in the department of treasury.

(b) These grants shall be apportioned into monthly benefits and shall be disbursed monthly.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-13 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-13
§ 16-59-13. Definitions.
Status: in_force

Where in this chapter the phrase public colleges or public institutions of higher learning or public tax supported institutions of higher learning or words of similar import are used they shall be taken to mean Rhode Island college, and the community college of Rhode Island, or any other of these public colleges, public institutions of higher learning, or public tax supported institutions of higher learning other than the university of Rhode Island, which may be created, individually or collectively, as appropriate.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-8-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-8 / Section 16-8-1
§ 16-8-1. State board for vocational education.
Status: in_force

The board of regents for elementary and secondary education is constituted and designated as the state board for vocational education to cooperate with the federal office of education and veterans administration, or their successors, in the administration of any act of congress relating to vocational education and rehabilitation in agriculture, distributive occupations, household arts, trades, and industries, or to disabled veterans and other persons, and to secure for the state the benefits of that cooperation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-63-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-63 / Section 16-63-6
§ 16-63-6. Office of adult education  Coordinator.
Status: in_force

The board of regents, at its discretion, may assign the advocacy, coordinating, and communicative functions of adult education, as defined in § 16-58-2 and in this chapter, to an office of adult education within the bureau. The office may be headed by a coordinator of adult education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-96-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-96 / Section 16-96-3
§ 16-96-3. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(1) Advanced Placement course means a course sponsored by the college board and offered for college credit at the high school level.

(2) Advanced Placement teacher means a teacher of an advanced placement course.

(3) Pre-Advanced Placement means set professional development resources and services that equip all middle and high school teachers with the strategies and tools they need to engage their students in active, high-level learning, thereby ensuring that every middle and high school student develops the skills, habits of mind, and concepts they need to succeed in advanced placement courses.

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

(5) FAFSA means the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form that allows eligible students the opportunity to obtain federal financial aid through the U.S. Department of Education to assist with the cost of postsecondary education.

(6) Rhode Island alternative financial aid application means the form that allows eligible students who are not permitted to fill out the FAFSA an opportunity to apply for state financial aid, regardless of their immigration status, to assist with the cost of postsecondary education.

(7) Vertical team means a group of teachers and educators from different grade levels in a given discipline who work cooperatively to develop and implement a vertically aligned program aimed at helping students from diverse backgrounds acquire the academic skills necessary for success in advanced placement courses and other challenging courses.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-38-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-38 / Section 16-38-5
§ 16-38-5. Questionnaires invading privacy.
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, persons, or institution, educational or otherwise, to circulate or permit to be circulated in any school in this state any questionnaire intentionally or unintentionally framed as to ask the pupils of any school intimate questions about themselves and/or their families, trespassing upon the pupils constitutional rights and invading the privacy of the home, unless the questionnaire has received the approval of the department of elementary and secondary education and the local school committee. Any person, persons, or institution who is found to be guilty of a violation of this section shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-11 / Section 16-11-9
§ 16-11-9. Fast-track principal certification program.
Status: in_force

(a) The department of elementary and secondary education (the department) shall establish a fast-track principal certification program.

(b) The fast-track principal certification program shall include, but need not be limited to, the following courses:

(1) School finance;

(2) School law; and

(3) Supervision of school personnel.

(c) Participants will earn a principal certification after successful completion of the courses, from a program approved by the department, required in subsection (b), and successful completion of the following three (3) requirements:

(1) A year-long internship shadowing a principal in the district where the participant is currently employed;

(2) Leading a districtwide or schoolwide initiative; and

(3) Successfully passing assessment requirements for Rhode Island principal certification.

(d) To be eligible for admission into the fast-track principal certification program, an applicant shall:

(1) Have a minimum of ten (10) years experience as a teacher rated effective or highly effective;

(2) Have a recommendation from the superintendent(s) of the local education agency (LEA) or agencies in which the applicant worked as a teacher previously, or is working currently;

(3) Have a record of consistent leadership within an LEA, demonstrated through serving as a facilitator of professional development, a dean, a district coach, a department chair, or in another leadership position within a school or LEA; and

(4) Possess a masters degree or higher.

(e) Participants who earn a principal certification pursuant to this section shall complete a department-approved leadership development program to build leadership skills that support teaching and learning within the first renewal cycle of their certification.

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

(1) Public school districts;

(2) Regional school districts;

(3) State-operated schools;

(4) Regional collaborative schools; and

(5) Charter schools.

(g) Participants who have earned a principal certification by fulfilling all of the requirements of this section and completing courses offered by the RIDE accredited school principal preparation program (internship) shall not be required to complete the department-approved leadership program set forth in subsection (e) but shall instead successfully complete an additional course on program evaluation (including data analysis).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-28.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-28.2
§ 16-2-28.2. Kindergarten multiple sessions.
Status: in_force

All public and private schools that provide multiple kindergarten sessions shall make every effort to give written notice to parents, thirty (30) days before the start of the school year, which kindergarten session their child has been placed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-84-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-84 / Section 16-84-1
§ 16-84-1. Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

(a) The legislature recognizes that it is clearly in the public interest for the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island to seek private funding in support of initiatives which promote academic excellence and educational access. The legislature further finds that the creation of endowed academic chairs enhances the ability of Rhode Islands three (3) public institutions of higher education to offer quality instruction and that additional scholarship funding will provide opportunities for students to pursue their educational and occupational goals. It is, therefore, declared to be the policy of the state to encourage private fundraising for these purposes by the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island and to assist such fundraising through a matching program to be known as the public higher education academic excellence and student access endowment incentive program.

(b) This program shall not result in direct or indirect reductions in the states appropriation to the board of governors for higher education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-44 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-44
§ 16-7-44. School housing project costs.
Status: in_force

School housing project costs, the date of completion of school housing projects, and the applicable amount of school housing project cost commitments shall be in accordance with the regulations of the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and the provisions of §§ 16-7-35  16-7-47; provided, however, that school housing project costs shall include the purchase of sites, buildings, and equipment, the construction of buildings, and additions or renovations of existing buildings and/or facilities. School housing project costs shall include the cost of interest payment on any bond issued after July 1, 1988, provided that such bond is approved by the voters on or before June 30, 2003, or issued by a municipal public building authority or by the appropriate approving authority on or before June 30, 2003. Except as provided in § 16-7-41(d), for those projects approved after June 30, 2003, interest payments may only be included in project costs provided that the bonds for these projects are issued through the Rhode Island health and educational building corporation. School housing project costs shall exclude: (1) Any bond issuance costs incurred by the municipality or regional school district; (2) Demolition costs for buildings, facilities, or sites deemed surplus by the school committee; and (3) Restrictions pursuant to § 16-7-44.1. A building, facility, or site is declared surplus by a school committee when the committee no longer has such building, facility, or site under its direct care and control and transfers control to the municipality, § 16-2-15. The council on elementary and secondary education will promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of this section. These rules and regulations may provide for the use of lease revenue bonds, capital leases, or capital reserve funding, to finance school housing provided that the term of any bond, or capital lease shall not be longer than the useful life of the project and these instruments are subject to the public review and voter approval otherwise required by law for the issuance of bonds or capital leases. Cities or towns issuing bonds, or leases issued by a municipal public buildings authority for the benefit of a local community pursuant to chapter 50 of title 45 shall not require voter approval. Effective January 1, 2008, and except for interim finance mechanisms, refunding bonds, borrowing from the school building authority capital fund, and bonds issued by the Rhode Island health and educational building corporation to finance school housing projects for towns, cities, or regional school districts borrowing for which has previously been authorized by an enabling act of the general assembly, all bonds, notes, and other forms of indebtedness issued in support of school housing projects shall require passage of an enabling act by the general assembly.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-28.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-28.1
§ 16-21-28.1. Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

(a) Approximately one in five hundred (500) school children have diabetes. Individuals with diabetes need to manage their diabetes carefully to keep their blood glucose levels within target range.

(b) High blood glucose levels contribute to medical complications, such as blindness, kidney failure, amputations and cardiovascular disease, while severely low blood glucose levels can lead to unconsciousness or seizures with a potential for brain damage or death.

(c) While episodes of unconsciousness or seizures are uncommon, schools should be prepared to promptly respond to such emergencies due to the urgency of the situation, and the inability of the student to drink or ingest food that might restore their blood sugar level.

(d) Across the country, schools are increasingly more prepared and trained for medical emergencies using defibrillators and giving injections to counter allergic reactions.

(e) The American academy of pediatrics September 2003 policy guidelines on administration of medication in school states: Some medications, such as epinephrine injections for severe allergic reactions or glucagons for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), have few significant adverse effects. Because these episodes, by nature, occur at unpredictable times when a school nurse may not be available, trained designated school staffs should be available.

(f) The Rhode Island chapter of the American academy of pediatrics states (November 20, 2005) that: While quite rare, such episodes (of hypoglycemic unconsciousness or seizure) run the risk of serious long-term complications, and potentially death, if there is a delay in appropriate treatment.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-45-4.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-45 / Section 16-45-4.2
§ 16-45-4.2. Disposition of funds.
Status: in_force

All tuition and other revenues collected by the school shall be deposited as general revenue.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-13-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-13 / Section 16-13-9
§ 16-13-9. Termination for cause  List maintained.
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever a tenured teacher is terminated for good and just cause pursuant to § 16-13-3 by a school committee or the governing body of a charter or private school, the school committee or the governing body of the charter or private school shall, within sixty (60) days of the termination or in cases where the termination is appealed, within sixty (60) days after the conclusion of the appeal filed by the terminated tenured teacher when the termination is upheld, furnish the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education with the identity of the terminated teacher. Provided, this section shall not apply to:

(1) The nonrenewal of a contract of a nontenured teacher pursuant to § 16-13-2; or

(2) The termination of a tenured teacher due to fiscal exigency or program reorganization.

(b) The department shall maintain a list of those teachers who have been terminated for good and just cause (the list) and shall update the list monthly to include the names of any additional teachers submitted by a school committee or the governing body of a charter or private school pursuant to the provisions of this section. This list of terminated teachers shall be accessible only to the hiring authority of any private, parochial, charter, or public school.

(c) The list of terminated teachers shall not be a public record pursuant to the access to public records act (APRA) set forth in chapter 2 of title 38. This section shall not abrogate or modify any existing statutory or common law privileges or immunities.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-44.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-44.1
§ 16-7-44.1. Program restrictions.
Status: in_force

Housing aid shall not be provided for the purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment except in the case of a project to construct a new school or new school addition that is also supported by a general obligation or lease revenue bond. Housing aid shall not be provided for projects supported by capital lease agreements that: (1) are not lease purchase agreements; (2) do not demonstrate a direct benefit to the school nor are located on school property; and (3) do not exclude all non-capital costs such as maintenance costs prior to the request for reimbursement.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-16 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-16
§ 16-22-16. Blocked air passage treatment training.
Status: in_force

(a) The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop and prescribe a training course in the emergency treatment for blocked air passages. The course shall be established in accordance with criteria and requirements established by the director of the department of health. The department of elementary and secondary education shall determine the age or grade level of pupils required to receive training.

(b) The school committees of the several cities, towns, and school districts shall provide for the incorporation of the course of training in existing health education courses.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-73-1.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-73 / Section 16-73-1.1
§ 16-73-1.1. Definition.
Status: in_force

Child opportunity zone, Rhode Islands community school initiative, means a site at or near a school that provides: early childhood initiatives; before-school, after-school, and summer enrichment programs; health and mental health services; parent engagement, adult education, workforce development training; or any combination of these programs based upon the students and the communitys needs.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-8-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-8 / Section 16-8-7
§ 16-8-7. School lunch programs  Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of §§ 16-8-7 to 16-8-13:

(1) School is construed to mean any educational institution operated on a nonprofit basis, having a graded course of instruction with prescribed standards for the completion of each grade, with compulsory class attendance, and records of class work regularly maintained.

(2) School board includes city or town school committees or any person or group responsible for the operation of a private or a parochial school.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-20.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-20.1
§ 16-7-20.1. Annual report of number of children with disabilities receiving support.
Status: in_force

The director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals shall annually report on the first day of September to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education the number of children with disabilities affected by § 16-7-20 and the educational program costs for the children.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-39-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-39 / Section 16-39-4
§ 16-39-4. Judicial review.
Status: in_force

Judicial review may be obtained by any aggrieved party as provided in chapter 35 of title 42.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-8
§ 16-32-8. Policy as to pharmacy college education and intervention program related to the use and misuse of medication and alcohol by the elderly.
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly declares that it views with favor and approves as a matter of public policy the establishment of a college of pharmacy within the University of Rhode Island to assume the educational functions of the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences.

(b) The general assembly declares that there is a need for an education and intervention program related to the use of medication and alcohol by the elderly in elderly housing. The general assembly finds: (1) that the elderly population has the highest use of prescription medication, (2) that many elderly persons do not have an appropriate and complete understanding of their medication use and that the elderly need to improve their quality of life, maintain their ambulatory status, and identify specific medication and alcohol-related problems at an early stage.

(c) The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy shall initiate an on-site support program for the elderly to foster the appropriate use and to help prevent the misuse of prescription medications and alcohol by the elderly. The program shall focus on both short-term intervention and long-term support. Pharmacists trained in the area of alcohol and drug use and misuse by the elderly shall be placed at a number of selected senior housing units within the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-6.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-6.2
§ 16-16-6.2. Service credit for appropriate work experience  Contributions.
Status: in_force

(a) In determining the creditable service of any vocational education teacher employed in any city or town or by the state for the purpose of retirement or a service retirement allowance (not including a deferred retirement allowance), there may be added to, and included in, total service as defined in this chapter not more than five (5) years of appropriate work experience pursuant to § 16-60-4(9)(ii). This service shall not be counted as creditable service unless the member shall pay into the retirement system a contribution equal to the full actuarial costs for each year of service for which he or she claims credit.

(b) Credit for appropriate work experience which is purchased under paragraph (a) above may also be used for retirement purposes under the provisions of subsection (a) for teachers who retire on ordinary disability under § 16-16-14, provided those teachers have at least ten (10) years creditable service.

(c) The term appropriate work experience means service in any industry, business, or other appropriate enterprise for which certification credit has been given pursuant to the standards and qualifications for certification of teachers as provided in § 16-60-4(9)(ii).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-3-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-3 / Section 16-3-9
§ 16-3-9. Action by city or town on recommendations.
Status: in_force

Each city or town council of the respective cities or towns shall, upon receipt of a recommendation that a regional school district should be formed, and of a proposed agreement submitted in accordance with the provisions of §§ 16-3-4 to 16-3-8, and with the approval required by § 16-3-8, direct the city or town clerk to cause the question of accepting the provisions of this and the following sections and the proposed agreement or agreements to be placed on the official warrant for the warning and calling of a special or annual financial town meeting or referendum to be held in either case within six (6) months after receipt of the recommendation by the city or town council, in substantially the following form:

Shall the city or town accept the provisions of chapter 3 of title 16, providing for the establishment of a regional school district, together with the cities or towns of and , and the construction, maintenance, and operation of regional schools by the district in accordance with the provisions of a proposed agreement filed with the city or town council?
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-101-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-101 / Section 16-101-1
§ 16-101-1. Academic credit for military service.
Status: in_force

(a) State public higher education institutions in the state shall honor the military training, experience, correspondence courses, and occupations of an individual who has served in the military or armed forces of the United States by allowing academic credits that meet the standards of the American Council on Education or equivalent standards for awarding academic credit, if the award of the educational credit is based upon the institutions admission standards and its role, scope, and mission. The board of education shall adopt policies or regulations requiring each institution to award educational credits to a student enrolled in the institution, based upon the students military training or service when academically appropriate.

(b) The board of trustees for the university of Rhode Island, in consultation with the president and the faculty senate, shall adopt policies or regulations requiring the award of educational credits to a student enrolled at the university, based upon the students military training or service when academically appropriate.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-39 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-39
§ 16-16-39. Severability.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter are severable and if any of its provisions are adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional this shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-12 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-12
§ 16-21-12. Dental treatment provided by town or city.
Status: in_force

The school committee may provide at the expense of the town or city proper dental treatment for children, found to be suffering from dental defects or conditions arising from dental defects, whose parents or guardians or custodians neglect to provide proper dental treatment within one month after receiving a notice of the need as required by § 16-21-9.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-112-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-112 / Section 16-112-3
§ 16-112-3. Implementation.
Status: in_force

(a) By January 1, 2024, each state public higher education institution shall adopt policies establishing nontraditional pathways to earning a bachelors degree at the states public higher education institutions through the inclusion of credits earned through apprenticeships, as further provided in subsection (e) of this section.

(b) The policies adopted by each higher education institution shall be subject to review and approval of the board of education. The board shall reject or modify any policies that are unduly burdensome for students seeking the apprenticeship pathway to earning a bachelors degree. This review shall be completed by April 1, 2024.

(c) In addition, the board of education shall adopt policies to uniformly address the following:

(1) The form and manner in which registered apprenticeships may be determined to be eligible for inclusion in a nontraditional pathway to earning a bachelors degree, including through public-private partnerships or an application process.

(d) No later than September 1, 2024, the board shall convene a workgroup, including, but not limited to, representatives from the department of labor and training, the office of the postsecondary commissioner, public higher education institutions, the state apprenticeship council, and the construction trades. The purpose of the workgroup is to advise the board regarding the implementation of nontraditional pathways to earning a bachelors degree, including assisting with the review pursuant to subsection (b) of this section and with the development of the plan required by § 16-112-4.

(e) The policies that shall be adopted by each public higher education institution shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) The process by which a student may request academic credit for registered apprenticeship coursework and experience;

(2) The number of credits a student may earn through coursework and experience hours in a registered apprenticeship;

(3) The development of clear guidelines distinguishing credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing apprenticeship coursework including, but not limited to, standardizing the process of assigning credit to apprenticeship coursework; and

(4) Guidelines to determine degree majors towards which credits for apprenticeships may be earned, including giving priority to majors that have both a low completion rate and a hiring need by employers existing in the state.

(f) The policies of the public higher education institutions adopted pursuant to this section shall become effective beginning August 1, 2024.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-93-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-93 / Section 16-93-2
§ 16-93-2. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) Genocide, as defined by the Genocide Convention: means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group, such as: (i) Killing members of the group; (ii) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (iii) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; (iv) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; and/or (v) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.

(2) Holocaust means the systematic, bureaucratic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of approximately six million (6,000,000) Jews and five million (5,000,000) other individuals by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-23 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-23
§ 16-21-23. School safety teams, school crisis response teams, and school safety assessments.
Status: in_force

(a) Each school district of each town, city, and regional school department shall conduct a school safety assessment in conjunction with local police, fire, school safety team pursuant to the provisions of this section and any other expert said school department deems necessary. The assessment shall examine the current status of each school buildings safety and shall be performed within thirty (30) days of passage of this act, and every three (3) years thereafter.

(1) There shall be a Rhode Island school safety committee whose functions shall include, but not be limited to, providing training to law enforcement, school administrators, and teachers; collecting and reviewing all hazard safety security assessments; and offering recommendations and assistance to each school district of every town, city, and regional school department, in an effort to increase the safety of students and faculty. The committee shall be comprised of twelve (12) members as follows: the superintendent of the Rhode Island state police or designee, who shall serve as chairperson of the committee; the president of the Police Chiefs Association, or designee; the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency, or designee; the commissioner of the department of elementary and secondary education, or designee; a representative from the Rhode Island School Superintendents Association, to be selected by the association; the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, or designee; the state fire marshal, or designee; a representative of the Rhode Island Association of School Maintenance Directors, to be selected by the association; a representative from the Rhode Island Association of School Principals, to be selected by the association; a representative from the Rhode Island Association of School Committees, to be selected by the association; a representative from the National Education Association of Rhode Island (NEARI), who shall be a full-time classroom teacher, to be selected by the president of NEARI; and one representative from the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP), who shall be a full-time classroom teacher, to be selected by the president of the RIFTHP.

(2) Each school department of each town, city, and regional school district shall complete the emergency action plan and shall submit the all hazards site safety survey report to the Rhode Island school safety committee every three (3) years for the committees review and recommendation.

(3) The assessment shall be completed by November 1 of the year mandated, and by December 31 of that year, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall report to the speaker of the house, the senate president, and the governor that the assessments have been completed. Assessments performed within a year of the date of passage of this act shall satisfy this requirement.

(4) All meetings regarding the school safety assessment are not subject to the open meetings law pursuant to chapter 46 of title 42, and documents produced including, but not limited to, meeting minutes and the school safety assessment are not subject to the access to public records law pursuant to chapter 2 of title 38.

(b) The school committee of each town, city, and regional school department shall review and adopt in executive session a comprehensive school safety plan regarding crisis intervention, emergency response, and management. The plan shall be developed by a school safety team comprised of representatives of the school committee; representatives of student, teacher, and parent organizations; school safety personnel; school administration; and members of local law enforcement, fire, and emergency personnel. Members of the school safety team shall be appointed by the school committee and/or school superintendent of the town, city, or regional school district. In creating the school safety plan, the school safety team(s) shall consult the model school safety plan developed by the department of elementary and secondary education pursuant to § 16-21-23.1.

(c) The school crisis response team shall be comprised of those selected school personnel willing to serve as members of a psychological response team to address the psychological and emotional needs of the school community, and may seek mental health resources from the department of elementary and secondary education. Members of the school crisis response team may coordinate mental health services for those students and school employees affected by acts of violence in the schools, using resources available through the department of elementary and secondary education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-56-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-56 / Section 16-56-1
§ 16-56-1. Purpose.
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to promote equal postsecondary educational opportunity by providing financial assistance to students who are restricted from participating in postsecondary education because of insufficient financial resources.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-70-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-70 / Section 16-70-1
§ 16-70-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as The Onward We Learn Scholarship Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-70-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-70 / Section 16-70-4
§ 16-70-4. Council on postsecondary education support program  Powers and duties.
Status: in_force

The council on postsecondary education shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To prepare with the assistance of the commissioner of postsecondary education and to present annually to the state budget officer in accordance with § 35-3-4, as part of the state higher education budget, a line-item budget request specifically designated as the states share of support for the onward we learn scholarship program. The budget shall be designated as a specific, line-item budget request and shall be presented as part of the budget of the postsecondary commissioner; and

(2) To provide, through its office of the postsecondary commissioner, the authority to designate the onward we learn scholarship program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered with the Rhode Island secretary of state, as the entity that will administer and operate all program services and manage scholarship resources associated with the federal GEAR UP program.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-19 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-19
§ 16-7-19. Computation of standard local tax rate.
Status: in_force

(a) The standard local tax rate required to support the basic program shall be forty percent (40%).

(b) The statewide local tax rate to be used in calculating each communitys share under § 16-7-20 shall be fifty percent (50%).

(c) Fifty percent (50%) of the difference resulting from the difference between the rate presented in subsection (a) and the rate presented in subsection (b) shall be used in accordance with § 16-5-31 and fifty percent (50%) of the difference shall be allocated annually by the general assembly, upon recommendation of the commissioner and the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, for one or more of the programs listed in § 16-69-2.

(d) The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her order upon the general treasurer for the payment of those sums or any portions of those sums as may be required from time to time upon receipt by the controller of properly authenticated vouchers.

(e) If the sums appropriated are not sufficient to implement subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section, then the amount appropriated shall first be utilized to implement subsection (b) of this section. If the sums are not sufficient, then the amount shall be ratably reduced. Amounts remaining after full funding of subsection (b) of this section shall be apportioned among school districts for the purpose of subsection (c) of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-7
§ 16-32-7. Duties required by federal acts  Annual report to general assembly.
Status: in_force

The trustees and officers of the university shall perform all the duties and make, publish, distribute, and render all bulletins and reports required by the acts of congress or by any act in amendment of these or supplementary to these; and shall also report to the general assembly annually at its January session.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-38-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-38 / Section 16-38-9
§ 16-38-9. Liability of school officers for misconduct.
Status: in_force

Every school officer who shall make any false certificate, or appropriate any public school money to any purpose not authorized by law, or who shall refuse for a reasonable charge to give certified copies of any official paper, or to account for or deliver to his or her successor any accounts, papers, or money in his or her hands, or shall willfully or knowingly refuse to perform any duty of his or her office, or violate any provisions of any law regulating public schools, except where a particular penalty may be prescribed, shall be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) or be imprisoned not exceeding six (6) months, and shall be liable to an action of the case for damages to be brought by any person injured by this violation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-3
§ 16-59-3. Removal of public members of board.
Status: in_force

Public members of the board of governors shall be removable by the governor for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity or fitness for the office shall be unlawful. No removal shall be made for any cause except after ten (10) days notice in writing of specific charges, with opportunity for the member to be present in person and with counsel at a public hearing before the governor, to introduce witnesses and documentary evidence in his or her own defense, and to confront and cross-examine adversary witnesses; and appeal shall lie to the superior court from the governors determination.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-21.5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-21.5
§ 16-2-21.5. Notification of state school aid to school districts.
Status: in_force

Any requirement that the department of elementary and secondary education notify the local school districts of state education aid estimates prior to the submission of the governors budget presentation is suspended until further action by the general assembly. The department shall provide state education aid estimates based upon the governors budget submission and shall supplement these estimates upon the passage of the budget by the general assembly.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-9-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-9 / Section 16-9-7
§ 16-9-7. Assessment of land value by jury  Petition of owner.
Status: in_force

Any owner of or person entitled to any estate in or interested in any part of the land so taken, who cannot agree with the school committee for the price of the land so taken in which he or she is interested, may, within three (3) months after personal notice of the taking, or, if he or she have no personal notice, may, within one year from the filing of the description, statement, and plat referred to in § 16-9-6, apply by petition to the superior court held for the county where the land is located, setting forth the taking of his or her land and praying for an assessment of damages by a jury. Upon the filing of the petition the court shall cause twenty (20) days notice of the pendency of the petition to be given to the town by serving the town treasurer of the town with a certified copy of the petition, and may proceed after the notice to the trial; and the trial shall determine all questions of fact relating to the value of the land and the amount; and shall be conducted in every respect as other civil cases are tried, including the right to except to rulings and apply for new trial for cause. In case of conflicting claims to the land by any two (2) or more petitioners, the court may set down the petitions of the petitioners for trial at the same time by the same jury, and may frame all necessary issues for the trial.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-63-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-63 / Section 16-63-2
§ 16-63-2. Legislative findings and policy.
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly, in accordance with the constitution of the state, R.I. Const., Art. XII, § 1, which obligates the state to secure to the people the advantages and opportunities of education, and also pursuant to R.I. Const., Art. XII, § 4, which requires it to make all necessary provisions by law for carrying this article into effect, finds:

(1) That all citizens, regardless of age, have the right to education;

(2) That education is a lifelong pursuit;

(3) That basic education and general personal development are necessary to enjoy a wholesome life; and

(4) That vocational training is useful in acquiring a marketable skill and achieving economic self-sufficiency.

(b) The general assembly declares:

(1) That the public laws shall address the education needs of adults and young people;

(2) That an integrated and coordinated adult education delivery system shall be provided and maintained on a statewide basis; and

(3) That public funds shall be appropriated to support that delivery system and fulfill the constitutional mandate.

(c) All adult education programs and services provided by any department or agency of the state of Rhode Island or local government, or funded in whole or in part by state funds, shall be offered in the least restrictive environment, be designed to enhance the quality of life for adult learners, and be consistent with and inclusive of the following values that reflect the preferences and needs of adult learners;

(1) Adult learners shall be treated with dignity and respect;

(2) Adult learners shall be included in policy development affecting adult education;

(3) Adult learners shall be offered services that are cost-effective and meet the learners needs;

(4) Adult learners shall have access to testing, evaluation and requisite accommodation for learning and/or other disabilities;

(5) Adult learners shall be fully informed about the educational choices available to them;

(6) Adult learners shall participate in decisions about their educational process, including information exchange and goal setting;

(7) Adult learners shall be provided with educational programming commensurate with their abilities, including but not limited to basic skills, vocational education, and/or secondary education or its recognized equivalent;

(8) Adult learners shall receive consistent, sustained quality in their education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-40-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-40 / Section 16-40-2
§ 16-40-2. Authority to grant degrees not presumed.
Status: in_force

Authority to grant academic, collegiate, professional, or other degrees recognizing learning, scholarship, or achievement shall not be included in, or presumed to be part of, the functions of a corporation or of an institution of education unless its charter or the articles of association shall specifically indicate that the institution is nonprofit and specifically indicate the power to grant degrees and the nature of the degrees to be granted; and no corporation or association shall grant academic, collegiate, professional, or similar degrees without specific authorization; and for institutions offering an associates degree or higher, have received full New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation or for distance-learning purposes only, a degree-granting institution has full accreditation by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and equivalent to NEASC within five (5) years of its incorporation or establishment within this state or five (5) years of being permitted to transact business within this state unless exempt pursuant to § 16-40-10.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-18.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-18.2
§ 16-2-18.2. Prior criminal records checks.
Status: in_force

If an applicant for employment has undergone a national and state criminal records check within twelve (12) months prior to an application for employment, the employer may request from the bureau of criminal identification or local police department a letter indicating the presence or absence of disqualifying information. The bureau of criminal identification will respond without disclosing the nature of the disqualifying information. The letter may be maintained on file to satisfy the requirements of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-41-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-41 / Section 16-41-4
§ 16-41-4. Appropriations.
Status: in_force

To carry out the purposes of this chapter the general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum as it may deem necessary. The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of any sum or so much of a sum as may be required from time to time, upon the receipt by him or her of properly authenticated vouchers.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-4.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-4.2
§ 16-22-4.2. Free-play recess.
Status: in_force

All children attending public schools, or any other schools managed or controlled by the state, that have elementary grades kindergarten through six (6) shall receive in those schools at least twenty (20) consecutive minutes of supervised, safe, and unstructured free-play recess each day. Free-play recess may be considered instructional time for those schools that would be required to extend the current school day in order to meet this requirement. Teachers shall make a good-faith effort to not withhold recess for punitive reasons. Free-play recess is in addition to the requirements set forth in § 16-22-4. As used herein, the term free play means an unstructured environment, but which is supervised by appropriate school personnel or staff.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-60-7.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-60 / Section 16-60-7.1
§ 16-60-7.1. Early childhood training and resource center  Board of advisors.
Status: in_force

(a) The department of elementary and secondary education shall establish, maintain, and operate, in accordance with the guidelines of the board of advisors created pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, a training and resource center to serve as a source of information regarding training and resources for early childhood and child care professionals which would:

(1) Provide information regarding requirements and/or sources for licensure, approval, and certification;

(2) Provide information regarding sources of training to meet specific needs;

(3) Maintain contact with professional organizations, state departments, higher education institutions, and other resources for training;

(4) Develop a newsletter for dissemination of vital information regarding topics as department of health alerts, changes in department of human services programs, and eligibility criteria for persons seeking child care;

(5) Develop and conduct training for which no identified training source currently exists;

(6) Develop a speakers bureau;

(7) Maintain a calendar of events for early childhood/child care professionals; and

(8) Provide any other services that the board of advisors shall deem necessary.

(b) To guide the department in the establishment, location, maintenance, and operation of the training and resource center, the department shall establish a board of advisors consisting of representatives from each of the following agencies, departments, professional associations, and educational institutions: department of children, youth, and families; department of human services; department of elementary and secondary education; department of health; Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young children; Rhode Island Early Childhood Resource Center; Rhode Island Association for Home Day Care; Rhode Island Day Care Directors Association; Association for Childhood Education, Providence area; Rhode Island Head Start Directors Association; Community College of Rhode Island; Rhode Island College; the University of Rhode Island; and any other agencies, departments, institutions, and associations as the advisory board shall prescribe.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-107-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-107 / Section 16-107-4
§ 16-107-4. Definitions.
Status: in_force

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

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

(2) FAFSA means the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form;

(3) Mandatory fees and tuition are 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;

(4) On track to graduate on time means the standards determined by the community college of Rhode Island in establishing the expectation of a student to graduate with an associates degree within two (2) years of enrollment (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);

(5) 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. § 794, as may be amended from time to time;

(6) Recipient student means a student attending the community college of Rhode Island who qualifies to receive the Rhode Island promise scholarship pursuant to § 16-107-6;

(7) Scholarship program means the Rhode Island promise scholarship program that is established pursuant to § 16-107-3;

(8) State means the state of Rhode Island; and

(9) Student with a disability means any student otherwise eligible pursuant to § 16-107-6 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 § 16-2-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-10
§ 16-2-10. Certification of superintendents.
Status: in_force

No person shall be employed as superintendent of schools in any city or town unless the person holds a certificate of qualification issued by or under the authority of the state board of regents for elementary and secondary education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-100-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-100 / Section 16-100-1
§ 16-100-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as the Dual Enrollment Equal Opportunity Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-24-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-24 / Section 16-24-5
§ 16-24-5. Joint facilities for special instruction.
Status: in_force

Wherever possible and practical two (2) or more cities or towns may organize in providing educational facilities in a district center for the children in the respective cities or towns who are in need of special care and individual instruction.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-3-24 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-3 / Section 16-3-24
§ 16-3-24. Additional state assistance.
Status: in_force

In the event the general assembly shall enact legislation providing for financial assistance to cities and towns for school construction or for assisting the cities and towns in servicing the debt already incurred for the construction of schools, any regional school district shall be entitled to share in the aid in the same manner as any city or town.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-80-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-80 / Section 16-80-2
§ 16-80-2. Findings.
Status: in_force

The general assembly has found and declares that:

(1) Three-fourths (Â¾) of adults in the Rhode Island workforce lack a baccalaureate degree, and many do not possess the academic and entry-level occupational skills necessary to succeed in the changing workplace;

(2) Twenty-eight percent (28%) of youths, ages sixteen (16) to twenty-four (24) in Rhode Island, especially disadvantaged students, students of diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and students with disabilities, do not complete high school;

(3) Unemployment among youths, ages sixteen (16) to nineteen (19) in Rhode Island averaged eighteen and six-tenths percent (18.6%) in 1994, an intolerably high percentage, and earnings of high school graduates have been declining in relationship to earnings of individuals with post-secondary degrees;

(4) The workplace in the United States and especially in Rhode Island is changing in response to heightened international competition and new technologies, and these forces, which are ultimately beneficial to the nation, are shrinking the demand for and undermining the earning power of unskilled labor;

(5) Rhode Island lacks a comprehensive and coherent system to help its youth acquire the knowledge, skills, abilities, and information about and access to the labor market necessary to make an effective transition from school to career-oriented work or to further education and training;

(6) Students in Rhode Island can achieve higher academic and occupational standards, and many learn better and retain more when the students learn in context rather than in the abstract;

(7) While many students in Rhode Island have part-time jobs, there is infrequent linkage between:

(i) These jobs, and

(ii) The career planning or exploration or the school-based learning of students;

(8) The work-based learning approach, which is modeled after the time-honored apprenticeship concept, integrates theoretical instruction with structured on-the-job training, and this approach, combined with school-based learning, can be very effective in engaging student interest, enhancing skill acquisition, developing positive work attitudes, and preparing youths for high skill, high wage careers;

(9) Federal resources currently fund a series of categorical, work-related education and training programs, many of which serve disadvantaged youths, that are not administered as a coherent whole; and

(10) In 1990, approximately sixteen thousand seven hundred forty-one (16,741) individuals in Rhode Island, ages sixteen (16) through twenty-four (24), had not completed high school and were not currently enrolled in school, a population representing approximately twenty-eight percent (28%) of all individuals in this age group which indicates that these young persons are particularly unprepared for the demands of the twenty-first century.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-39-3.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-39 / Section 16-39-3.1
§ 16-39-3.1. Enforcement of final decisions.
Status: in_force

All final decisions made after a hearing by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, and which are not subject to further judicial or administrative review, shall be enforceable by mandamus or any other suitable civil action in the superior court for Providence County at the request of any interested party. All these decisions of the commissioner and board shall become final if judicial or further administrative review is not properly sought within thirty (30) days of their issuance.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-83-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-83 / Section 16-83-2
§ 16-83-2. Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

It is hereby found and declared as follows:

The importance of education and the need to educate our children to ensure the future of our states work force and economic development is one of the major goals of the general assembly; and

Our states top educators have been calling for school reform that will help produce a higher performing public school that best meets the educational needs of students; and

The governor is calling upon our states business leaders to join the crusade for school change and reform by becoming involved in school issues and by being part of the solution to help improve our public schools.

The business education roundtable has been a catalyst for the involvement of our business leaders in school reform; and

The school improvement report of 2001 found that a significant number of Rhode Island middle schools performed poorly. In addition, the 2002 middle school performance analysis showed similar results; and

The Rhode Island Middle School Reform Act of 2004 is designed to improve education in all the middle schools in Rhode Island.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-37 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-37
§ 16-7-37. Reports from communities.
Status: in_force

The superintendent of schools in each community shall certify to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education by the dates designated in accordance with the regulations of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education any information that may be needed for the operation of §§ 16-7-35 to 16-7-47, in any form and upon any blanks that the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall require.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-4
§ 16-32-4. Location  Application of federal funds.
Status: in_force

The university and experiment station shall, until ordered, continue to be located in the town of South Kingstown upon the estate now occupied by them, and all money received after this under the act of congress, approved March 2, 1887, and under the act of congress approved August 30, 1890, entitled An Act to Apply a Portion of the Proceeds of the Public Lands to the More Complete Endowment and Support of the Colleges for the Benefit of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, Established Under the Provisions of an Act of Congress Approved July Second, Eighteen Hundred Sixty-two, and all other money which shall be received by the state for the promotion of agriculture or the mechanic arts at land grant colleges under or by virtue of an act of congress shall, as and when received, be paid over to the treasurer of the university, to be used and applied and accounted for by the trustees and officers of the university, with the approval of the state controller, as required by the respective acts of congress under which the money is received.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-57-19 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-57 / Section 16-57-19
§ 16-57-19. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this chapter shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this chapter but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part directly involved in the controversy in which the judgment shall have been rendered.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-113-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-113 / Section 16-113-5
§ 16-113-5. Administration of scholarship program.
Status: in_force

(a) The financial aid office at Rhode Island college, in conjunction with the admissions office or their respective equivalent offices at Rhode Island college, shall administer the scholarship program for state residents seeking bachelors degrees and/or certificates who meet the eligibility requirements in this chapter.

(b) An award of the scholarship program shall cover the cost of up to two (2) years of tuition and mandatory fees, for the junior and senior years of the student, or in the case of an adult student, who has attained at least sixty (60) credit hours, then the award may cover tuition and mandatory fees over a duration of not more than two (2) years. In all instances, these awards shall be reduced by the amount of federal and all other financial aid monies available to the recipient student. None of any grants received by students from the department of children, youth and families higher education opportunity incentive grant as established by chapter 72.8 of title 42 or 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 § 16-113-6(a)(7); provided that, the award may cover the two (2) years that constitute the junior and senior years of the student, or the two (2) years for an adult student, and may be dispersed in separate installments.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-62-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-62 / Section 16-62-3
§ 16-62-3. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings unless the context shall indicate another or different meaning or intent:

(1) Authority means the governmental agency and public instrumentality authorized, created, and established pursuant to § 16-62-4.

(2) Bonds and notes means the bonds, notes, securities, or other obligations or evidences of indebtedness issued by the authority pursuant to this chapter, all of which shall be issued under the name of or known as obligations of the Rhode Island student loan authority.

(3) Education loan means a loan to a student or the parent, legal guardian, or sponsor of the student, or to an eligible institution, for the purpose of financing a students attendance at the eligible institution. The loan may provide that the student, parent, legal guardian, or sponsor of the student or eligible institution may be held jointly and severally liable for the education loan.

(4) Eligible institution means, subject to further particular or more restrictive definition by regulation of the authority: (i) an institution of higher learning, (ii) a vocational school, or (iii) with respect to students who are nationals of the United States, an institution outside the United States which is comparable to an institution of higher education or to a vocational school and which has been approved by the authority and by the secretary for purposes of the guaranteed student loan program.

(5) Eligible loan means a loan to a student or to the parent of a student insured or guaranteed by the secretary, Rhode Island division of higher education assistance, or by any other governmental or private agency, corporation, or organization having a reinsurance or guaranty agreement with the secretary applicable to that loan.

(6) Guaranteed student loan program means the program of federal student loan insurance and reinsurance administered by the secretary.

(7) Lender means, subject to further particular or more restrictive definition by regulation of the authority, any governmental or private agency, corporation, organization, or institution (including educational institutions and the authority itself) designated as an eligible lender by federal statute, regulation, or administrative ruling for the purposes of the guaranteed student loan program.

(8) Secretary means the United States secretary of education or the secretary of health and human services.

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

(10) Student means an individual who under rules promulgated by the authority meets the enrollment and satisfactory progress requirement necessary for making an eligible student loan or an education loan, as applicable. This designation shall include dependent and independent undergraduate students, and graduate and professional students.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-4
§ 16-16-4. Membership of school nurses.
Status: in_force

Every certified nurse teacher employed in the respective public schools of the several cities and towns of this state and every person who, prior to any certification as a nurse teacher, has been regularly employed by any city or town as a school nurse in the respective public schools shall be entitled to all the rights and benefits contained in this chapter and in chapters 8  10 of title 36.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-114-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-114 / Section 16-114-2
§ 16-114-2. Purpose and mission.
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter and the mission of the Sheila C. Skip Nowell Academy is:

(1) To primarily support students at risk of school failure, with a special focus on the diverse needs of pregnant and parenting teens, to create an environment for their individual growth, and to cultivate their social and emotional development;

(2) To additionally provide an alternative learning environment for disconnected and at-risk students, and for students who have recently arrived in the country, desiring to complete their academic careers in a setting that offers comprehensive support services, accelerated academic curriculum, leadership development, and life skills that will enable them to become resilient, self-sufficient adults; and

(3) To offer a rigorous and relevant standards-driven, experiential learning community, and to provide college and career preparatory education based on guided, project-based core curriculum, that is aligned to the states high-quality curricular standards.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-19 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-19
§ 16-2-19. Children attending in adjoining cities or towns.
Status: in_force

Whenever the school committee of any city or town shall find that it is more convenient or expedient for any child residing in the city or town to attend school in an adjoining city or town, the committee may arrange with the school authorities of the city or town for the attendance of the child at their schools, and may pay for the tuition out of the city or town appropriation for public schools. The amount paid shall be used for school purposes only.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-50-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-50 / Section 16-50-10
§ 16-50-10. Litigation.
Status: in_force

Any school or agent for a school, its or their assignees subject to this chapter, not the holder of a permit issued pursuant to this chapter, shall not be permitted to bring suit in any court of this state to recover on any matter arising out of the conduct of its business or activities in Rhode Island, and compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be a condition precedent to carrying on business in this state and to enforcing in any court of this state any contract or assignment of it made pursuant to this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-30 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-30
§ 16-21-30. Dating violence policy.
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section:

(1) At school means in a classroom, on or immediately adjacent to school premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, at an official school bus stop, or at any school-sponsored activity or event whether or not it is on school grounds.

(2) Dating partner means any person, regardless of gender, involved in an intimate relationship with another primarily characterized by the expectation of affectionate involvement whether casual, serious, or long-term.

(3) Dating violence means a pattern of abusive or coercive behaviors used to exert power and control over a current or former dating partner. Behaviors may occur online, in person, or through the use of technology. Abuse may be physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, financial, or psychological and includes threats, isolation, and intimidation.

(b) The department of education shall develop a model dating violence policy to assist school districts in developing policies for dating violence reporting and response. The model policy shall be issued on or before April 1, 2008.

(c) Each school district shall establish a specific policy to address incidents of dating violence involving students at school by December 1, 2008. Each school district shall verify compliance with the department of education on an annual basis through the annual school health report.

(1) The policy shall include, but not be limited to: a statement that dating violence will not be tolerated; dating violence reporting procedures; guidelines to responding to at school incidents of dating violence; and discipline procedures specific to the incidents.

(2) To ensure notice of the school districts dating violence policy, the policy shall be published in any school district policy and handbook that sets forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for students at school.

(d) Each school district shall provide dating violence training to all administrators, teachers, nurses, and mental health staff at the middle and high school levels. Upon the recommendation of the administrator, other staff may be included or may attend the training on a volunteer basis. The dating violence training shall include, but not be limited to: basic principles of dating violence; warnings signs of dating violence; and the school districts dating violence policy, to ensure that they are able to appropriately respond to incidents of dating violence at school. Thereafter, this training shall be provided yearly to all newly hired staff deemed appropriate to receive the training by the schools administration.

(e) Each school district shall inform the students parents or legal guardians of the school districts dating violence policy. If requested, the school district shall provide the parents or legal guardians with the school districts dating violence policy and relevant information. It is strongly recommended that the school district provide parent awareness training.

(f) Each school district shall collect data regarding instances of student misconduct that are considered dating violence. As part of the usual course of discipline data submission to the department of education, each school district shall specify when a particular infraction is also considered dating violence.

(g) This section does not prevent a victim from seeking redress under any other available law, either civil or criminal. This section does not create or alter any tort liability.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-53-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-53 / Section 16-53-5
§ 16-53-5. Officers of the board of trustees.
Status: in_force

The officers of the board of trustees shall be a chairperson, appointed by the governor, who shall be a representative of the private sector and vice chairperson elected from the membership. Officers shall be elected annually by a majority vote of the board of trustees members; a majority of the appointed members shall constitute a quorum. Upon allocation of designated state funding for the purpose of supporting the board of trustees duties and activities, the board of trustees is authorized to obtain, or to contract for, any services that may be necessary to enable it to carry out its duties. A majority vote of those present shall be required for action.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-57-6.3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-57 / Section 16-57-6.3
§ 16-57-6.3. Tax-exempt earnings.
Status: in_force

(a) For state income tax purposes, annual earnings of the tuition savings program and the prepaid tuition program shall be exempt from tax to the program, and shall not be includible in the Rhode Island income of either beneficiaries or participants in the program until withdrawn or distributed from it, and then in accordance with chapter 30 of title 44.

(b) The tax administrator may adopt rules and regulations necessary to monitor, implement, and administer the Rhode Island personal income tax provisions referred to in subsection (a) relating to this chapter. These regulations shall provide for each taxable year for the timely submission to the tax administrator by the program manager of the tuition savings program of this information in the form the tax administrator shall prescribe concerning contributions to, and withdrawals including transfers and rollovers from, the tuition savings program during that year.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-92-15 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-92 / Section 16-92-15
§ 16-92-15. Financing of the interstate commission.
Status: in_force

(a) The interstate commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization and ongoing activities.

(b) The interstate commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the interstate commission and its staff which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the interstate commissions annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the interstate commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all member states.

(c) The interstate commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the interstate commission pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state.

(d) The interstate commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the interstate commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the interstate commission shall by audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the interstate commission.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-62-14 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-62 / Section 16-62-14
§ 16-62-14. Bondholders rights not to be affected by state.
Status: in_force

The state does pledge to and agree with the holders of any bonds or notes issued under this chapter that the state will not limit or alter the rights vested in the authority to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with the holders until those bonds or notes, together with their interest, with interest on any unpaid installments of interest, and all costs and expenses in connection with any action or proceeding by or on behalf of those holders, are fully met and discharged. The authority is authorized to include this pledge and agreement of the state in any agreement with the holders of those bonds or notes.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-63-12 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-63 / Section 16-63-12
§ 16-63-12. Study of adult basic education entitlement.
Status: in_force

The commission, as part of the comprehensive study prescribed in § 16-58-6(3), shall study the legal, financial, societal, personal, and other implications of the possible future enactment of an adult basic education entitlement.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-77-4.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-77 / Section 16-77-4.1
§ 16-77-4.1. Immunity and liability.
Status: in_force

Charter public schools have the same immunity possessed by school districts to suit as limited by chapter 31 of title 9. A charter public school shall have the authority to indemnify its employees to the extent that they are not already indemnified by the school district and/or the board of regents pursuant to § 9-1-31.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-40 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-40
§ 16-21-40. Trauma-informed schools act.
Status: in_force

(a) Schools play a critical role in addressing and mitigating the effects of child trauma by recognizing the impact of adversity and trauma on students, parents, and staff, and embedding policies and practices that foster well-being and resilience.

(b) Through alignment and integration with a multi-tiered system of support frameworks designed to support the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of all students, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall develop a trauma-informed schools implementation plan, as well as necessary administrative guidance, professional development materials, and other resources to enable all elementary and secondary schools to:

(1) Establish and implement trauma-informed practices within all elementary and secondary education schools throughout the state, that:

(i) Promote a shared understanding among teachers, teachers assistants, school leaders, paraprofessionals, specialized instructional support personnel, and other staff that:

(A) Traumatic experiences are common among students;

(B) Trauma can impact student learning, behavior, and relationships in school;

(C) Traumatic experiences do not inherently undermine the capabilities of students to reach high expectations in academics and life;

(D) Schoolwide learning environments, where all students and adults feel safe, welcomed, and supported, can enable students to succeed despite traumatic experiences; and

(E) Services, supports, and programs provided to meet individual student needs should be trauma-informed, where appropriate, and increase student connection to the schoolwide learning environment. Provided, effective July 1, 2024, this requirement shall include integrating trauma-informed practices into emergency drills.

(ii) Adopt disciplinary procedures and practices that:

(A) Accompany disciplinary actions with holistic assessments and positive behavioral interventions and supports to address the underlying causes of student behavior, including trauma;

(B) Avoid harsh, punitive, or exclusionary disciplinary practices;

(C) Utilize evidence-based restorative practices with a focus on behavior modifications and building community, and less punitive or exclusionary practices that erode a culture of trust;

(D) Implement procedures to call skilled mental health personnel when there is a mental health breakdown, and resort to law enforcement only in extreme cases and/or when a student or students are at risk of bodily harm; and

(E) Do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), disability, English proficiency status, migrant status, or age.

(iii) Implement activities that engage teachers, teachers assistants, school leaders, paraprofessionals, specialized instructional support personnel, and other staff, in a process of school-based planning to:

(A) Promote a schoolwide culture of acceptance;

(B) Help all students feel safe and connected to the school community;

(C) Support all students to form positive relationships with adults and peers, understand and manage emotions, achieve success academically and in extracurricular areas, and experience physical and psychological health and well-being;

(D) Promote teamwork and effective communication among all staff and shared responsibility for every student;

(E) Integrate evidence-based practices that build social-emotional skills into rigorous academic instruction;

(F) Support trauma-sensitive and informed approaches to multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) function of team-based leadership, tiered delivery system, selection and implementation of instruction and intervention, comprehensive screening and assessment system, and continuous data-based decision-making; and

(G) Recognize and prevent adult implicit bias.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-11 / Section 16-11-10
§ 16-11-10. Streamlining English language learner certification.
Status: in_force

(a) The department of education shall provide rules and regulations to streamline the English as a second language (ESL) and/or English language learner (ELL) teaching certification, including, but not limited to: providing reciprocity to persons who hold a Massachusetts teaching certificate with similar certification in ELL and/or the Massachusetts counterpart, sheltered English immersion endorsements (SEI); providing cohorts where current Rhode Island certified teachers can obtain ESL and/or ELL endorsements; providing classes for current Rhode Island certified teachers at the individual school level within each school district, as well as accepting classes for Rhode Island ESL and/or ELL certification that are accepted for Massachusetts SEI endorsement.

(b) The intention of this section is to increase the number and percentage of teachers in the state who are certified as English as a second language (ESL) and/or English language learner (ELL) teachers.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-25 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-25
§ 16-16-25. Eligibility for survivors benefits  Payment.
Status: in_force

A members dependents or survivors shall be eligible to receive the benefits provided in §§ 16-16-25 through 16-16-38 if the member shall have made regular contributions to the teachers survivors benefit fund as provided in § 16-16-34 for a period of at least six (6) consecutive calendar months prior to his or her death or retirement, as the case may be. These benefits shall be payable the first of the month following that month in which eligibility for the benefits occurs and shall be paid at the same time as the regular retirement allowance payments are made. No payment shall be due for the month in which ineligibility occurs. No widows or mothers or domestic partners benefit payable under §§ 16-16-25 through 16-16-38 shall be reduced because of benefits payable to other dependents of the deceased member under the provisions of §§ 16-16-25 through 16-16-38.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-62-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-62 / Section 16-62-1
§ 16-62-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known as The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-111-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-111 / Section 16-111-7
§ 16-111-7. Rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

The commissioner is hereby authorized to promulgate whatever rules and regulations may be required to implement this chapter and shall annually provide notice to all educational entities of the departments school waste disposal and refuse disposal policies.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-11.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-11.1
§ 16-2-11.1. General powers and duties of school principals.
Status: in_force

(a) Principals employed under this section shall be the educational administrators and managers of their schools and shall supervise the operation and management of their schools and school property, subject to the supervision and direction of the superintendent. The principal shall have any duties as are defined in this section and in this title and shall perform any other duties as may be vested in him or her by law. In addition to serving as the educational administrator and manager of his or her school, it shall be the duty of the principal:

(1) In consultation with the school improvement team, to recommend the hiring of all teachers, athletic coaches, instructional or administrative aides, and other personnel assigned to the school, consistent with district personnel policies, collective bargaining agreements, and budgetary restrictions, and subject to the approval of the superintendent. Provided, that the hiring of employees may not interfere with the layoff or recall rights provided in collective bargaining agreements and the provisions of § 16-13-6.

(2) To recommend the termination of any teachers, athletic coaches, instructional or administrative aides, and other personnel assigned to the school, consistent with district personnel policies, collective bargaining agreements, and budgetary restrictions, subject to review and prior approval by the superintendent and subject to the provisions of this chapter.

(3) To oversee the care, control, and management of school facilities and equipment.

(4) In consultation with the school improvement team, to prepare a school budget for consideration by the superintendent.

(5) To provide for the evaluation of personnel assigned to the school, including all teachers, consistent with the standards developed by the school committee pursuant to § 16-2-9(a)(15).

(6) In cooperation with the districts leadership, to initiate a performance review plan for the school and for individual teachers.

(b) It shall be the responsibility of the principal, in consultation with professional staff of the building, to promote participatory decision making among all professional staff for the purpose of developing educational policy.

(c) 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 principal to abrogate any agreement reached by collective bargaining.

(d) Recognizing that there may be a transition period necessary to implement the provisions of this section, all local education agencies, as defined in chapter 97.1 of title 16, shall ensure that the implementation of the powers and duties of school principals as provided by this section are adopted and implemented as soon as practical, but no later than August 1, 2021.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-1-11 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-1 / Section 16-1-11
§ 16-1-11. Powers of department after taking over city or town schools.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this section and §§ 16-1-10 and 16-5-22, the department of elementary and secondary education shall be subrogated to all the powers and functions of the city or town school committee, including the right to draw orders upon the city or town treasurer for the payment for the support of the public schools of the city or town of any money in the city or town treasury required by law to be accredited to the public school account. The department of elementary and secondary education may also apportion to or expend for the support of the public schools of the city or town any part of the annual appropriation for public schools provided by § 16-4-5 as shall not be apportioned for other purposes, or the whole, or any part of the annual appropriation as the general assembly shall make for the purposes of this section and §§ 16-1-10 and 16-5-22.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-33-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-33 / Section 16-33-6
§ 16-33-6. Award of degrees  Curriculum and government.
Status: in_force

The board of governors for higher education, with the approval of the president and a committee of the faculty of Rhode Island College, 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 governors for higher education, to arrange courses of study, 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 § 16-92-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-92 / Section 16-92-7
§ 16-92-7. Eligibility.
Status: in_force

(a) Eligibility for enrollment:

(1) Special power of attorney, relative to the guardianship of a child of a military family and executed under applicable law shall be sufficient for the purposes of enrollment and all other actions requiring parental participation and consent.

(2) A local education agency shall be prohibited from charging local tuition to a transitioning military child placed in the care of a non-custodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent.

(3) A transitioning military child, placed in the care of a non-custodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent, may continue to attend the school in which he or she was enrolled while residing with the custodial parent.

(b) Eligibility for extracurricular participation. State and local education agencies shall facilitate the opportunity for transitioning military childrens inclusion in extracurricular activities, regardless of application deadlines, to the extent they are otherwise qualified.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-20-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-20 / Section 16-20-3
§ 16-20-3. Days of special observance  Duty of teachers and officials.
Status: in_force

The twelfth day of February (as Grand Army Flag Day, in honor of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln), the last Friday in April (as Arbor Day), the fourth day of May (as Rhode Island Independence Day), the thirteenth day of September (as Commodore John Barry Day), and each of these days in every year, or when any of these days shall fall on Saturday then the day preceding, or on Sunday then the day following, shall be especially observed with appropriate exercises in all the schools of this state; and it shall be the duty of teachers and school officers to make suitable provisions for the proper observance of these days.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-103-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-103 / Section 16-103-6
§ 16-103-6. Penalties for violations.
Status: in_force

In any civil action alleging a violation of this chapter, the court may:

(1) Award to a prevailing applicant or student declaratory relief, damages, and reasonable attorneys fees and costs; and

(2) Award injunctive relief against any school or agent of any educational institution that or who commits or proposes to commit a violation of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-107-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-107 / Section 16-107-2
§ 16-107-2. 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 dreams and develop their talents;

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

(3) The states future prosperity depends upon its ability to make educational opportunities beyond high school available for all students as part of a free public education.

(b) In order to address the findings set forth in subsection (a), the purpose of this chapter is to increase the number of students enrolling in and completing degrees on time from the community college of Rhode Island.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-16 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-16
§ 16-21-16. Students suspected of narcotic addiction.
Status: in_force

Any teacher having reasonable cause to suspect that a secondary or elementary student under eighteen (18) years of age is addicted to a narcotic drug or under the influence of a dangerous drug who reports this information to the appropriate secondary or elementary school officials pursuant to the schools drug policy, or if the school has no drug policy to the schools principal or the parents of the student under eighteen (18) years of age, shall have immunity from any civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of the making of the report.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-9.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-9.1
§ 16-22-9.1. Foster care youth academic reports.
Status: in_force

(a) Every superintendent of schools employed in accordance with the provisions of chapter 2 of this title shall on or before September 15, 2022, and annually thereafter on or before September 15, complete a report on the progress and status of educational achievement and development of all foster care youth attending every public school under the superintendents care and supervision. The report shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) The total number of foster care youth identified by school and grade of instruction;

(2) The number of foster care youth receiving supplementary literacy instruction pursuant to the provisions of § 16-67-2;

(3) The foster care youth uniform testing scores for testing pursuant to the provisions of § 16-22-9, and the percentage of foster care youth who meet or exceed the mean average score for uniform testing;

(4) The percentage of foster care youth meeting academic standards;

(5) The number and percentage of foster care youth receiving alternative or special education services;

(6) The number of foster care youth suspended or expelled from school during the academic year;

(7) The number of foster care youth identified as involved in chronic absenteeism, truancy, or as drop-outs; and

(8) The number of foster care youth assigned to advanced placement.

(b) If the superintendent determines based on the information provided in the report prepared pursuant to subsection (a) of this section that foster care youth are disproportionately failing to meet academic standards or are disproportionately subject to school discipline compared to the overall student population, then the superintendent shall develop a remediation plan and include the remediation plan as part of the report promulgated pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Every superintendent shall provide a copy of the reports promulgated pursuant to subsection (a) of this section to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and the applicable school committee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-3-15 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-3 / Section 16-3-15
§ 16-3-15. Moderator and clerk.
Status: in_force

The moderator of the regional school district financial meeting shall be the chairperson of the regional school district committee and the clerk of the meeting shall be the clerk of the regional school district committee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-82-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-82 / Section 16-82-1
§ 16-82-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may referred to as the Rhode Island Urban Education Act of 1998.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-24-19 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-24 / Section 16-24-19
§ 16-24-19. Special education local advisory committees.
Status: in_force

(a) Every public school district shall, on the districts website:

(1) Post and maintain either a link to the website of the districts special education local advisory committee (the committee), or provide the contact information for the committee; and

(2) Post or otherwise list the dates of meetings of the committee during the school year.

(b) All districts shall maintain and promote committees that are active. As used herein, the term active means that the committee meets at least four (4) times per year during the school year; provided, one of these four (4) meetings may take place during the summer months if the district operates an extended school year program for students with disabilities. A parent, guardian, or other legally responsible adult of a student in a district where the committee is not active may notify the school superintendent as to this lack of an active committee, on a written notice form (notice) prepared by the district. Upon receipt of a notice under this section, the district superintendent and the director of special education shall investigate the notice to determine if the committee is or is not active. If the committee is not active, the district shall investigate why the committee is not active and shall undertake efforts to make the committee active.

(c) At every meeting with a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult (responsible adult) of a student who is disabled, which meeting involves a review, modification, or continuation of that students individual education program or 504 plan, the district shall provide a written notice to the responsible adult that informs the responsible adult of the provisions of this section, including, but not limited to, the contact information for the committee and the dates of scheduled meetings.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-38-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-38 / Section 16-38-3
§ 16-38-3. Maintenance of nuisances in proximity to schools.
Status: in_force

No person shall keep any swine in any pen or other enclosure, or shall keep or suffer to be kept any other nuisance, within one hundred (100) feet of any schoolhouse or within one hundred (100) feet of any fence enclosing the yard of any schoolhouse.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-5-32 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-5 / Section 16-5-32
§ 16-5-32. Elementary and secondary education excellence fund.
Status: in_force

(a) There is created a fund of three million dollars ($3,000,000) for the purposes set forth below:

(1) Two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) shall be used to make competitive grant awards to local school districts for exemplary dropout prevention programs;

(2) One hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) shall be used to establish training programs for parents, with special emphasis on parents of preschool children, and to make competitive grant awards to local school districts for exemplary parent involvement programs;

(3) One hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) shall be used for school committee and administrator training;

(4) Two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) shall be used to make competitive grant awards to local school districts which develop exemplary school site management programs;

(5) One million dollars ($1,000,000) shall be prorated among local school districts on the basis of their 1987-88 entitlement under § 16-7-20 to fund grants to further the literacy focus in instruction in kindergarten through grade three (3) for all students and supplementary literacy instruction for educationally disadvantaged students in grades kindergarten through twelve (12);

(6) Two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) shall be used to establish a statewide screening program for all children just entering school;

(7) Three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) for use by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education to implement recommendations of the task force to study the governors 1991 report on education;

(8) Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) shall be used for vocational education in accordance with § 16-45-7; and

(9) Two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) will be used to establish and expand programs in area vocational schools.

(b) All grant money received by a local school district from this fund will be ineligible for reimbursement under the school operations aid program. Funds, with the exception of subsection (a)(8), may not be used to supplant funding for existing programs and activities.

(c) The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate any rules and regulations as he or she shall deem necessary for the operation of the education excellence fund. The decision of the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall be final on all questions regarding grants.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-8-14 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-8 / Section 16-8-14
§ 16-8-14. Federal aid funds  Custody  Disbursement.
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise specifically provided by law, any and all money received or that may be received by the state for the use or benefit of the state or any city or town for educational purposes from appropriations made by virtue of or under any act or acts of the congress of the United States shall be received by the general treasurer who shall provide for the proper custody of the money. The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the disbursement of the money or any part of it, upon receipt by the controller of properly authenticated vouchers approved by the department of elementary and secondary education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-44-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-44 / Section 16-44-2
§ 16-44-2. Purposes of community colleges.
Status: in_force

It shall be the purposes of the community colleges to provide educational programs of two (2) years duration as follows:

(1) Two (2) year college transfer programs;

(2) Two (2) year terminal general education programs;

(3) Two (2) year college technical and vocational programs; and

(4) Any other educational programs and services as are appropriate to these institutions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-38-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-38 / Section 16-38-6
§ 16-38-6. Restrictions on commercial activity and fundraising in public schools.
Status: in_force

(a) No public school official or public school employee shall, for any purpose, solicit or exact from any pupil in any public school any contribution or gift of money or any article of value, or any pledge to contribute any money or article of value. No public school teacher shall accept payment for tutoring directly from the parents of a student under his or her instruction. If a teacher is to be assigned and compensated as a tutor for a student under his or her instruction, the assignment and compensation must be through the school department pursuant to policies and procedures adopted by the school committee. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prohibit a teacher from tutoring a student who is not concurrently under his or her instruction in the public school and receiving compensation for the tutoring from the parents of the student.

(b) No commercial goods or services shall be sold to students in the public schools or on public school property, nor shall any commercial materials (flyers, literature, advertisements, commercial materials, or solicitations) be sent home with students from the public school, except as authorized pursuant to policies and procedures adopted by the local school committee, that shall, at a minimum, address the following:

(1) The conduct and financial accountability of public school employees and public school officials engaged in commercial activities for the benefit of public schools;

(2) The use of schoolchildren to deliver commercial materials to parents.

(c) Any approved fundraising activity shall be conducted on a voluntary basis and in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the school committee, that shall, at a minimum, address the following:

(1) The conduct and financial accountability of public school employees and public school officials engaged in fundraising activities for the benefit of public schools;

(2) The specific circumstances, if any, for door-to-door solicitations and door-to-door sales by public school students for fundraising;

(3) The use of schoolchildren to deliver fundraising materials to parents.

(d) When creating a school budget pursuant to § 16-2-9(a)(9), school committees may budget funds for field trips, provided that:

(1) The field trips meet Rhode Islands basic education program regulations; and

(2) All students have the same ability to attend the field trips.

(e) To supplement budgeted funds, fundraising for field trips is permissible, provided that:

(1) The fundraising activity complies with subsection (c) of this section;

(2) Students are not required to meet individual fundraising targets as a condition of attendance on the trip; and

(3) Parents or guardians be allowed to donate toward the cost of the trip.

(f) The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall provide technical assistance to assist the school committees of the several towns and cities in the formulation of the local policies and procedures mandated by this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-77-6.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-77 / Section 16-77-6.1
§ 16-77-6.1. Additional standards.
Status: in_force

(a) No student tuition or mandatory fees may be charged by any charter public school.

(b) A charter public school may include any grade up to grade twelve (12) or any configuration of those grades, including kindergarten and prekindergarten. If specified in its charter, a charter public school may also operate an adult education program, adult high school completion program, or general education development testing preparation program.

(c) It is the intent of the general assembly that priority of consideration be given to charter public school applications designed to increase the educational opportunities of educationally disadvantaged and at-risk pupils.

(d) A student who is not under suspension or expulsion for discipline reasons may withdraw from a charter public school at any time and enroll in another public school in the district where the student resides as determined by the school committee of the district. A student may be suspended or expelled from a charter public school in accordance with the board of regents regulations for suspensions and/or expulsions, and other public schools may give full faith and credit to that suspension or expulsion.

(e) The governing body of a charter public school shall be subject to the Open Meetings Law, chapter 46 of title 42.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-38 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-38
§ 16-32-38. Permanent status for non-classified employees.
Status: in_force

All non-classified employees of the board of trustees 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 with the base entry date prior to August 8, 1996; provided, that this provision shall not apply to faculty employed by the board nor shall it apply to non-classified employees who have acquired tenure as faculty.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-38 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-38
§ 16-16-38. Social security.
Status: in_force

Sections 16-16-25 through 16-16-38 shall not apply to teachers of any city, town, or regional school district who have elected coverage under the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 301 et seq., under the provisions of chapter 7 of title 36.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-3-16 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-3 / Section 16-3-16
§ 16-3-16. Operation expenses.
Status: in_force

The school district financial meeting or the regional representatives under the provisions of § 16-3-14 shall not be subject to tax limitations for operational purposes except as specifically provided in the agreement.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-5
§ 16-59-5. Meetings of board.
Status: in_force

The board shall hold regular meetings at least twice in each quarter of each calendar year. All meetings of the board of governors for higher education shall be open to the public, provided that executive sessions may be held as subordinate parts of public meetings only when matters relating to sensitive personnel or collective bargaining are to be heard.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-40 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-40
§ 16-32-40. Appointment of campus police.
Status: in_force

(a) The board of trustees may appoint one or more persons who may act as police officers upon the property and highways of the university subject to the control of the board and upon the streets and highways immediately adjacent to those lands. The campus police officers shall protect the property of the university; suppress nuisances and disturbances and breaches of the peace; and enforce laws and regulations for the preservation of good order. They shall have the same powers and authority as that conferred upon municipal police officers, including the power to arrest persons for violations of state criminal statutes or for violations of city or town ordinances of the city or town in which the institution is located. They shall be required to attend and successfully complete the municipal police training academy before they shall be allowed to carry firearms. Additionally, any campus police officer observing the violation of any rule or regulation of the board adopted pursuant to this chapter, including, but not limited to, parking and traffic regulations, may issue a summons in the manner and form set forth in § 31-27-12 or § 31-41.1-1 returnable to the district court, the police court of the city or town where the violation occurs, or the traffic tribunal as provided by law.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all fines and penalties recovered for violation of rules and regulations made under authority of this section shall be accounted for by the appropriate authority, which shall forward all fines or penalties for nonmoving traffic violations to the general treasurer for use by the college or university on whose campus the citation or violation was issued in accordance with § 16-32-27.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-52-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-52 / Section 16-52-1
§ 16-52-1. Rules and regulations  Property and highways.
Status: in_force

The board of governors for higher education shall make rules and regulations for the control and use of all public properties and highways under its care, and for violations of those rules and regulations; penalties, not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) and costs for any one offense, shall be imposed by any district court or police court in the city or town where the violation occurs; and in general, the board may do all acts needed for the proper execution of the powers and duties granted to and imposed upon the board by the terms of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-6.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-6.1
§ 16-16-6.1. Credit for service outside state.
Status: in_force

(a) In determining the creditable service of any teacher employed in any city or town for the purpose of retirement, there may be added to, and included in, total service as defined in this chapter not more than five (5) years of service as a teacher in the public school outside this state; provided, however, this service shall not be counted as creditable service unless the member shall pay into the retirement system a contribution equal to the full actuarial value of each year of credit for which application is made based upon the teachers compensation at the time he or she makes application to purchase credit for each year of service for which he or she claims credit.

(b) Credit for service outside the state which is purchased under paragraph (a) above may also be used for retirement purposes under the provisions of subsection (a) for teachers who retire on ordinary disability under § 16-16-14 provided these teachers have at least ten (10) years creditable service within the state.

(c) The term outside this state means service in any state college, university, school, or public school in any other state of the United States, or in any territory or possession of the United States, including the Philippine Islands, or in any school under the jurisdiction of the United States government.

(d) The retirement board shall fix and determine by rules and regulations the time when and the conditions under which payments shall be made.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-40-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-40 / Section 16-40-7
§ 16-40-7. Register of approved schools and revocations.
Status: in_force

The department of elementary and secondary education or the office of higher education shall keep a written record in a book to be provided and used solely for the purpose of recording in this book approvals and revocation of approvals at its office in Providence for the inspection of any person upon request.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-38-11 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-38 / Section 16-38-11
§ 16-38-11. Termination of school exemption from taxation for noncompliance.
Status: in_force

Whenever a school shall refuse to permit visitation, when requested, or shall refuse or neglect to keep the school register and to make returns as required by law, its exemption from taxation shall thereafter cease and be determined; and the board of regents for elementary and secondary education or the superintendent of schools shall notify the assessors of taxes in the town or city where the school may be located of the refusal or neglect.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-70-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-70 / Section 16-70-6
§ 16-70-6. Audit requirements.
Status: in_force

The onward we learn scholarship program shall complete an annual audit completed by prior to the employment of private auditors. Audit work papers of the private auditors shall be made available upon request to the auditor general and/or the director of administration for their review, at the completion of the audit.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-4-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-4 / Section 16-4-1
§ 16-4-1. Custody and investment of fund.
Status: in_force

The general treasurer with the advice of the governor shall have full power to regulate the custody and safekeeping of the permanent fund for the support of public schools, and, subject to the provisions of chapter 10 of title 35, shall keep the fund securely invested in bonds or notes of the United States, or in bonds of towns or cities within this state, or certificates of deposit, or commercial paper, or in other investments authorized by virtue of § 35-10-6; provided, that the securities in which the fund is invested may remain a part of the fund until exchanged for other securities.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-23.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-23.2
§ 16-7-23.2. School deficit reduction  Maintenance of effort provision.
Status: in_force

A city, town, or regional school district appropriating authority may appropriate supplemental funds to eliminate or reduce a school budget deficit. To the extent that such a supplemental appropriation represents payment of past annual expenditure, the payment shall not be used in the computation of the maintenance of effort requirements established by § 16-7-23.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-63-11 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-63 / Section 16-63-11
§ 16-63-11. Cooperative agreements.
Status: in_force

The office shall encourage cooperative agreements among agencies, within and outside the department, and among appropriate institutions, organizations, and other entities, in the public and private sectors, in order to foster and bring about a coordinated adult education delivery system throughout the state, as prescribed in this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-20 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-20
§ 16-16-20. Deduction of amounts received from workers compensation or as damages.
Status: in_force

Any amount paid or payable under the provisions of any workers compensation law, exclusive of Medicare set aside allocations, specific compensation benefits or any benefits due pursuant to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement or as the result of any action for damages for personal injuries against the state, on account of the death or disability of a teacher, shall be offset against and payable in lieu of any benefits payable out of funds provided by the state under the provisions of this chapter on account of the death or disability of the teacher. If the value of the total commuted benefits under any workers compensation law or action is less than the present value on an actuarial basis of the benefits otherwise payable under this chapter, the value of the commuted payments shall be deducted from the present value of the benefits, and the balance thereof shall be payable under the provisions of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-33-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-33 / Section 16-33-1
§ 16-33-1. Management by board of governors for higher education.
Status: in_force

The Rhode Island College shall be under the management of the board of governors for higher education as provided by chapter 59 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-62-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-62 / Section 16-62-10
§ 16-62-10. Security for bonds and notes.
Status: in_force

(a) The principal of and interest on any bonds or notes issued by the authority may be secured by a pledge or assignment of any revenues, receipts, or assets of the authority and may be secured by a security interest or other instrument covering all or any part of one or more eligible loans or education loans made or acquired by the authority pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(b) The resolution under which the bonds or notes are authorized to be issued and any security interest or other instrument may contain any agreements and provisions respecting the servicing of the loans covered by it, any fixing and collection of payments or repayments or other revenues from these, any creation and maintenance of special funds from those revenues, and any rights and remedies available in the event of default, all as the authority shall deem advisable.

(c) Each pledge, assignment, agreement, security interest, or other instrument made for the benefit or security of any of the bonds or notes of the authority shall continue in effect until the principal of and interest on the bonds or notes for the benefit of which the pledge or security agreement was made shall have been fully paid, or until provision shall have been made for that payment in the manner provided in the resolution under which the bonds or notes were authorized.

(d) Any pledge made by the authority shall be valid and binding from the time it is made. The money or property pledged and received after this by the authority shall immediately be subject to the lien of the pledge without physical delivery or further act. The lien of the pledge shall be valid and binding against all parties having a claim in tort, contract, or against the authority, whether or not the parties have notice of the claim. Neither the resolution nor any instrument by which a pledge is created needs to be recorded.

(e) Any resolution under which bonds or notes of authority are authorized to be issued, and any trust indenture established by it, may contain provisions for vesting in a trustee or trustees any properties, rights, powers, and duties in trust as the authority may determine.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-43 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-43
§ 16-16-43. Purchase of credit while serving a prison sentence prohibited.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provisions of the retirement law or rulings of the retirement board in accordance with the powers vested in the board, no teacher shall be allowed to purchase service credits for time while incarcerated in prison, including, but not limited to, work release programs or home confinement programs.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-92-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-92 / Section 16-92-2
§ 16-92-2. Legislative purpose.
Status: in_force

It is the purpose of this compact to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:

(1) Facilitating the timely enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of education records from the previous school district or districts, or variations in entrance and age requirements.

(2) Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment.

(3) Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs, and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic, and social activities.

(4) Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families.

(5) Providing for the promulgation and enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact.

(6) Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under this compact.

(7) Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children.

(8) Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-13-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-13 / Section 16-13-1
§ 16-13-1. Teacher defined.
Status: in_force

The term teacher as used in this chapter means every person for whose position a certificate issued by the department of elementary and secondary education is required by law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-5
§ 16-22-5. Course in fire prevention prescribed.
Status: in_force

The department of elementary and secondary education is empowered and directed to prescribe a course of study in fire prevention for use in the public schools of the state, dealing with the protection of lives and property against loss or damage as a result of preventable fire.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-24 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-24
§ 16-2-24. Survey of city or town schools.
Status: in_force

The state board of regents for elementary and secondary education may make or cause to be made a survey of the public schools of any city or town, and shall make the survey upon the request of the school committee of any city or town; provided, that the school committee shall share one-half (Â½) the cost of any survey that it requests and the state department of elementary and secondary education shall also share half of the cost. The board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall include in its annual report to the general assembly a summary of its findings upon the surveys with the recommendations as shall seem advisable.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-9.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-9.1
§ 16-59-9.1. Incentive fund for excellence  Challenge fund for management and administration improvement  Carry-forward provision.
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sums as may be necessary to create and maintain an incentive fund for excellence, which shall be used by the board of governors to fund program initiatives to improve the quality of the undergraduate education offered by the institutions of public higher education.

(b) The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sums as may be necessary to create and maintain a challenge fund for management and administration improvement to be administered by the board of governors. The board shall award grants to the institutions of public higher education on a competitive basis upon presentation of proposals designed to effect projected administrative savings of an amount equal to or more than the amount of the grant requested.

(c) Any amounts remaining at the end of any fiscal year in the funds established under subsection (a) or (b), or any amounts allocated to the institutions under these sections, may be carried forward to the next fiscal year.

(d) The board of governors shall annually report to the general assembly concerning the amounts and specific purposes and the effectiveness of all allocations made from the funds established in subsections (a) and (b).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-25 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-25
§ 16-2-25. Distribution of powers in Providence and Cranston.
Status: in_force

In the cities of Providence and Cranston the school committee of each city shall employ the superintendent and teachers, have charge and custody of all school buildings and school property, manage and regulate the schools, and draw all orders for the payment of their expenses from the money appropriated by the city council for the support of public schools; provided, that the city council of each city shall have the expenditure of all sums appropriated for the purchase of land for school purposes or for the improvement of the land or for the construction or repair of school buildings.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-2
§ 16-59-2. Appointment of members of the council on postsecondary education.
Status: in_force

The governor shall establish the council for postsecondary education by appointing eight (8) members of the board of education established pursuant to chapter 97 of this title to serve as members of the council, until the expiration of their term as a member of the board of education and their successor is appointed. In addition the governor shall appoint one (1) student member who shall be a full time student in good standing at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College or the Community College of Rhode Island and who shall serve in a non-voting, ex-officio capacity for a single two (2) year term and shall rotate among the three (3) public institutions. The governor shall appoint the chair of the council on an annual basis from among the eight (8) voting council members. The chair of the board of education shall serve on the council in voting, ex-officio capacity. Five (5) voting members of the council shall constitute a quorum and the vote of a majority of those present and voting shall be required for action.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-20 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-20
§ 16-59-20. Audit of expenditures.
Status: in_force

The pre-audit of all expenditures under authority of the board by the state controller provided for in § 35-6-1 shall be purely ministerial, concerned only with the legality of the expenditure and the availability of the funds, and in no event shall the state controller interpose his or her judgment regarding the wisdom or expediency of any item or items of expenditure.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-6
§ 16-22-6. Duty of school officials to arrange for fire prevention course.
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the department of elementary and secondary education, school superintendents, school committees, or other committees or persons having control of public schools in cities and towns to arrange for a course of study in fire prevention, and require its use in each school under its or their control or direction.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-60-7.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-60 / Section 16-60-7.2
§ 16-60-7.2. Longevity payments  Nonclassified employees.
Status: in_force

(a) The non-classified employees of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, except for non-classified employees already receiving longevity increases, shall be entitled to a longevity payment in the amount of five percent (5%) of base salary after ten (10) years of service and increasing to a total of ten percent (10%) of base salary after twenty (20) years of service. The provisions of this section shall apply only to employees under the grade of nineteen (19). The longevity payments shall not be included in base salary.

(b) The board of regents is authorized to promulgate regulations implementing the provisions of this section.

(c) Beginning on July 1, 2011, notwithstanding any rule, regulation, or provision of the public laws or general laws to the contrary, there shall be no further longevity increases for employees of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education; provided, however, for employees with longevity provisions pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement in effect on June 1, 2011, longevity increases shall cease beginning on July 1, 2011 or beginning upon the expiration of the applicable collective bargaining agreement, whichever occurs later. To the extent an employee has previously accrued longevity payments, the amount of the longevity payment earned by the employee for the last pay period in June, 2011 shall be added to the employees base salary as of June 30, 2011, or in the case of an employee with longevity provisions pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement in effect on June 1, 2011, the amount of the longevity payment earned by the employee for the latter of the last pay period in June or the last pay period prior to the expiration of the applicable collective bargaining agreement shall be added to the employees base salary as of June 30, 2011 or upon the expiration of the applicable collective bargaining agreement, whichever occurs later.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-8-13 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-8 / Section 16-8-13
§ 16-8-13. Annual school lunch appropriations.
Status: in_force

The general assembly shall annually appropriate some sum that it may deem necessary to carry out the purposes of §§ 16-8-7 to 16-8-12; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of that sum or so much of it as may be required from time to time, upon receipt by the controller of vouchers approved by the department of elementary and secondary education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-71-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-71 / Section 16-71-3
§ 16-71-3. Educational records access and review rights  Confidentiality of records.
Status: in_force

(a) The parent, legal guardian, or eligible student, shall have the following enumerated rights:

(1) The right to personally inspect and review records in existence at the time of the request that are required to be kept by law or regulation of the student within ten (10) days of the request. The request shall be made to the schools principal or designated appropriate authority;

(2) The right to a reasonable explanation and interpretation of the records;

(3) The right to copies of the records. The cost per copied page of written records shall not exceed fifteen cents ($.15) per page for records copyable on common business or legal size paper. No fee will be assessed to search for or to retrieve the records;

(4) The right to have the records preserved as long as a request to inspect is outstanding;

(5) The right to request an amendment and/or expungement of the records if the parent or eligible student believes that the information contained in these records is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the students right to privacy; this request shall be made in writing to the appropriate records keeper.

(6) The right to place a statement in the record commenting on any contested information in the record. This statement shall be maintained with the contested part of the record for as long as the record is maintained and it shall be disclosed when the portion of the record to which it relates is disclosed;

(7) The right to have the records kept confidential and not released to any other individual, agency or organization without prior written consent of the parent, legal guardian or eligible student, except to the extent that the release of the records is authorized by the provisions of 20 U.S.C. § 1232g or other applicable law or court process.

(b) Any person aggrieved under this chapter shall have the right to appeal in accordance with the provisions of chapter 39 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-28.6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-28.6
§ 16-21-28.6. Administration.
Status: in_force

The administration of epinephrine or glucagon by school personnel, or those employed on behalf of the school, shall not be considered the practice of nursing.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-8-11 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-8 / Section 16-8-11
§ 16-8-11. Program accounts  Reports  Audits  Inspections.
Status: in_force

The department of elementary and secondary education shall prescribe regulations for the keeping of accounts and records and the making of reports by or under the supervision of school boards. These accounts and records shall be available for inspection and audit by authorized agents of the federal government or by the department of elementary and secondary education or its duly authorized agents. The department of elementary and secondary education shall conduct or cause to be conducted any audits, inspections, and administrative reviews of accounts, records, and operations with respect to school lunch programs that may be considered necessary to determine whether its agreements with school boards and regulations pursuant to §§ 16-8-7 to 16-8-13 are being complied with, and to ensure that school lunch programs are effectively administered.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-99-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-99 / Section 16-99-3
§ 16-99-3. Full-day kindergarten.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purpose of this chapter, the term full-day kindergarten means a kindergarten program that operates a minimum of five and one-half (5Â½) hours or three hundred thirty (330) minutes of actual school work, excluding lunch, recess periods, common planning time, pre- and post-school teacher time, study halls, homeroom periods, student passing time and any other time that is not actual instructional time.

(b) The commissioner of elementary and secondary education has discretion to further define and approve full-day kindergarten programs consistent with this section through the 2015-2016 school year.

(c) Beginning August 2016, each school district must offer full-day kindergarten to every eligible student to qualify for state education aid provided for in title 16. In fiscal year 2016, the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education shall provide funding to support transition expenses for all districts that do not offer universal full-day kindergarten programs in the 2015-2016 school year. This funding shall not exceed the amount of state aid that would otherwise have been provided to the district for operating a universal full-day kindergarten program and shall be based upon 2015 enrollment data and funding formula transition rates. For purposes of the calculation under this section, a districts half-day kindergarten enrollment as of March 2015 shall be multiplied by two.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-39-3.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-39 / Section 16-39-3.2
§ 16-39-3.2. Interim protective orders.
Status: in_force

In all cases concerning children, other than cases arising solely under § 16-2-17, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall also have power to issue any interim orders pending a hearing as may be needed to ensure that a child receives education in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations during the pendency of the matter. Hearings on these interim orders shall be conducted within five (5) working days of a request for relief and the decision shall be issued within five (5) working days of the completion of the hearing. These interim orders shall be enforceable in the superior court at the request of any interested party.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-12-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-12 / Section 16-12-5
§ 16-12-5. Minimum salary.
Status: in_force

The annual salary of any teacher employed on a full time basis in any public school shall not be less than twelve hundred dollars ($1,200).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-105-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-105 / Section 16-105-4
§ 16-105-4. Funding mechanisms for school facilities.
Status: in_force

The school building authority within the department shall oversee and manage two distinct funding mechanisms for school facilities: the foundation program for school housing, as set forth in §§ 16-7-35 to 16-7-47, and the school building authority capital fund, as set forth in chapter 38.2 of title 45. The school building authority shall determine the necessity of school construction; establish standards for design and construction of school buildings; ensure that districts have adequate asset protection plans in place to maintain their school facilities; make recommendations to the council on elementary and secondary education for approval of projects for school housing aid reimbursement; and establish a project priority list for projects funded by the school building authority capital fund and school housing aid set forth in §§ 16-7-35 to 16-7-47 that shall apply to any projects submitted or reviewed on or after May 1, 2015.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-32 / Section 16-32-3
§ 16-32-3. Purposes of university.
Status: in_force

The board, as now constituted, and their successors, for the terms for which they have been or for which they hereafter may be appointed regents, shall continue to be a body politic and corporate for the purpose of continuing and maintaining the University of Rhode Island as a university where the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach any branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions of life, as provided in the act of the congress of the United States, approved July 2, 1862, entitled An Act Donating Public Lands to the Several States and Territories Which May Provide Colleges for the Benefit of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, and for the purpose of continuing and maintaining an agricultural experiment station as a department of the college under and in accordance with, and to carry out the purposes of, the act of congress approved March 2, 1887, entitled An Act to Establish Agricultural Experiment Stations in Connection with the Colleges Established in the Several States Under the Provisions of An Act Approved July 2, 1862, and of the Acts Supplementary Thereto.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-18.5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-18.5
§ 16-2-18.5. Prior criminal records checks for school volunteers.
Status: in_force

If a current or prospective volunteer of the school department or of a private school who may have direct and unmonitored contact with children and/or students on school premises has undergone a state criminal records check within twelve (12) months prior to commencement of volunteering for the school department, the school department may request from the bureau of criminal identification or local police department a letter indicating the presence or absence of disqualifying information. The bureau of criminal identification will respond without disclosing the nature of the disqualifying information. The letter may be maintained on file to satisfy the requirements of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-108-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-108 / Section 16-108-2
§ 16-108-2. Definitions.
Status: in_force

The following words and phrases, as used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings:

(1) Entity means the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education, its subagencies and state agency(s) and local municipalities from which it collects demographic data.

(2) Southeast Asian means individuals who identify with one or more ethnic groups originating from the countries in the Southeast Asian region, including Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-19-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-19 / Section 16-19-10
§ 16-19-10. Notification of pupil absence.
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever any pupil in grades kindergarten through nine (9) fails to report to school on a regularly scheduled school day and no indication has been received by school personnel that the pupils parent or guardian is aware of the pupils absence, a reasonable effort to notify, by telephone, the parent or guardian shall be made by school personnel or volunteers organized by the school committee of each city, town, or regional school district or the director or other person in charge of private schools of elementary and secondary grades.

(b) School committees, school personnel, or volunteers organized pursuant to this section shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability in connection with the notice to parents of a pupils absence or failure to give the notice required by this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-13 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-13
§ 16-22-13. Consumer education.
Status: in_force

(a) The council on elementary and secondary education (the council), in consultation with the Rhode Island department of education (the department), shall develop and approve statewide academic standards for the instruction of consumer education in public high schools by no later than December 31, 2021, and again as required by the procedures set forth in subsections (e) and (f) of this section.

(b) By the start of the 2022-2023 school year, the school committees of the several cities, towns, and local education agencies (LEAs) shall ensure that public high schools offer a course that includes instruction in consumer education that is aligned with the statewide standards.

(c) The standards shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, installment purchasing, budgeting, comparison of prices, credit and the law, employment and income, rights and responsibilities in the marketplace, money management, maintaining credit, saving, investing, protecting and insuring assets, and other personal finance or consumer economic topics of study.

(d) The standards shall:

(1) Clearly set forth the skills, competencies, and knowledge expected to be demonstrated by all students at the conclusion of individual grades or grade spans;

(2) Reflect sensitivity to different learning styles; and

(3) Be in a form readily comprehensible by the public.

(e) The council shall review the consumer education standards regularly, making changes if appropriate, to ensure that the standards continue to outline the knowledge and skills students are expected to demonstrate regarding the responsible and informed use of financial services. The review cycle shall begin in 2026, with subsequent reviews taking place in 2031, 2036, and every five (5) years thereafter.

(f) Any recommended changes or updates to existing standards shall be approved by the council at least sixty (60) days prior to the changes taking effect.

(g) Beginning with the graduating class of 2024, all students shall demonstrate proficiency in consumer education prior to graduating high school. LEAs shall have the discretion to allow students the ability to demonstrate proficiency by one or more of the following:

(1) Successful completion of a consumer education course of study aligned with the standards developed and approved by the council;

(2) Successful completion of a project aligned with the standards developed and approved by the council, under the supervision of a certified educator;

(3) Successful completion of a consumer education assessment that is aligned with the standards developed and approved by the council and taken in a controlled testing environment; or

(4) Another demonstration of proficiency approved by the council.

(h) Schools shall be permitted to make exceptions and accommodations to the requirements of this section for students with disabilities, as provided in chapter 24 of this title, in those cases wherein the student cannot be reasonably expected to demonstrate proficiency to council standards.

(i) The council, in consultation with the department, shall compile and publish the following by April 1, 2022:

(1) A list of micro-credentialing programs that train educators in the skills necessary to deliver consumer education lessons in accordance with statewide standards; and

(2) Resources and instructional materials including, but not limited to, lesson plans, assessments, and activities that align with the consumer education standards adopted by the council.

(j) The council shall review the list of micro-credentialing programs and resources and instructional materials compiled in subsection (i) of this section regularly, making changes if appropriate. The review cycle shall begin in 2026, with subsequent reviews taking place in 2031, 2036, and every five (5) years thereafter.

(k) By August 1, 2024, and annually by August 1 thereafter, the department shall publish a report on the consumer education instruction in Rhode Island schools. The report shall include, but need not be limited to, the following:

(1) The number of high school students at each grade level who have completed a high-school level course of study in consumer education that is aligned with the standards developed and approved by the council; and

(2) A list of the middle schools and elementary schools that have incorporated consumer education into their curricula.

( l ) This section shall not apply to private schools.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-19-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-19 / Section 16-19-7
§ 16-19-7. Disposition of fines.
Status: in_force

All fines under the provisions of §§ 16-19-1 and 16-19-5 shall inure and be applied to the support of the public schools in the city or town where the offense was committed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-19.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-19.1
§ 16-7-19.1. Optional incentive plan.
Status: in_force

(a) Any school committee in a municipality, or regional school district with an elected school committee, may by resolution to the retirement board, and the chief executive officer in any municipality with an appointed school committee may by order to the retirement board, as a result of a bargaining agreement with its teacher employees, accept an incentive plan to provide supplemental payments for teachers who are eligible for a service retirement allowance at the time they retire, or who become eligible for a service retirement allowance subsequent to their retirement, as follows: As an incentive to retire, the school committee shall grant no later than thirty (30) days following retirement a lump sum payment not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for each year of service in that community, up to a maximum of thirty (30) years of service.

(b) Each teacher must notify the school committee by July 1 of the year in which they intend to retire. The incentive payment shall be paid to the teacher no later than thirty (30) days following retirement or at the time they become eligible for a service retirement allowance and no retirement contribution shall be made from this payment.

(c) Incentive payments under the plan shall not be included in the final salary of a teacher for the computation of the basic pension due from the retirement plan and the supplemental amount shall be computed as a separate item based on the existing pension formula, including three (3) year average, and the supplemental payment shall then be added to the teachers basic pension amount.

(d) Supplemental payments under this section shall be applied, in the case of an option, after the option annuity amount is determined, and shall be continued for the lifetime of the teacher only and not to a beneficiary.

(e) Supplemental payments under this section shall not be included in the original pension allowance subject to any cost of living increase provided by § 16-16-40.

(f) The total of all supplemental payments to retired teachers under this section shall be reimbursed to the retirement board by the school districts on a monthly basis. Whenever any amounts due are not paid within thirty (30) days from the date due, the board shall levy regular interest on the payments from date due to date of payment.

(g) Any school committee in a municipality or regional school district with an elected school committee may terminate the optional incentive plan by resolution to the retirement board and the chief executive officer of a municipality with an appointed school committee may terminate the optional incentive plan by order to the retirement board, provided that:

(1) No teacher who retires after the termination of the plan shall be eligible for any incentive or supplemental payments.

(2) Any retired teacher who is receiving supplemental payments prior to the termination of the plan shall continue to receive payments for the remaining lifetime of the teacher, and the school district shall continue to be liable for the reimbursement of the payments to the retirement board as provided in subsection (f) of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-32 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-32
§ 16-22-32. High quality curriculum and materials.
Status: in_force

(a)(1) The council on elementary and secondary education (the council) shall direct the commissioner of elementary and secondary education (the commissioner) to institute a process for reviewing and identifying curriculum and materials for mathematics, English language arts, and science and technology that meet the following requirements:

(i) Is aligned with the academic standards provided in §16-22-30;

(ii) Is aligned with the curriculum frameworks provided in §16-22-31;

(iii) Is aligned with the RICAS, or any other test that is adopted as a statewide standardized test; and

(iv) Is of high quality.

(2) The commissioner shall identify at least five (5) examples each of curricula for mathematics and English language arts pursuant to this section by no later than January 1, 2021, for science and technology pursuant to this section by no later than January 31, 2026, and again as required by the councils procedures set forth in subsection (a)(8) of this section. Once identified, the curricula shall be made available to the public, subject to copyright considerations.

(3) The commissioner shall direct all local education agencies (LEAs) to select one of the identified high-quality curricula and materials by the time of their next adoption cycle, but in any case, no later than June 30, 2023, for mathematics and English language arts, and no later than June 30, 2026, for science and technology. LEAs shall select curriculum and materials that are responsive to the LEAs cultural and linguistic needs, and support culturally responsive practices. LEAs shall implement the high-quality curricula and materials at the start of the school year that immediately follows the selection. If an LEA is unable to implement the high-quality curricula and materials fully due to financial hardship, the commissioner may grant the LEA an extension of time, provided that the LEA demonstrates continued efforts to complete the implementation.

(4) The commissioner shall institute a waiver process for LEAs that would like to use a curriculum other than any identified by the commissioner pursuant to this section. Part of that process may include, but is not limited to, asking the LEA to:

(i) Develop local curriculum goals;

(ii) Communicate the rationale for selecting the proposed curriculum over any of the curricula identified by the commissioner; and

(iii) Engage a third-party reviewer that has a proven track record of curriculum audits to review the proposed curriculum to ensure it aligns with state standards, establishes the scope and sequence of instruction, is of high quality, is culturally relevant, and to discuss any other strengths and weaknesses.

(5) Waiver determinations made pursuant to subsection (a)(4) of this section shall be appealable to the board of education.

(6) Any LEA that has at least seventy-five percent (75%) of its students meeting expectations on state assessments and also has no student subgroup identified for targeted assistance under Rhode Islands accountability process may select and use curricula and materials other than any identified by the commissioner pursuant to this section for that subject area, only; provided, however, that if the LEA no longer has at least seventy-five percent (75%) of its students meeting expectations on state assessments, or if any student subgroup is identified for targeted assistance under Rhode Islands accountability process, the LEA must select and implement one of the curricula identified by the commissioner pursuant to this section.

(7) LEAs shall develop and execute a curriculum implementation plan that includes professional development to ensure that all teachers and administrators are prepared to implement the new curriculum with the necessary skill and knowledge.

(8) The council shall develop procedures for updating the identification of curricula and materials pursuant to this section by no later than September 1, 2021. The procedures shall include a requirement that the council review and evaluate the identified curricula and materials regularly to ensure that the high quality of the curricula and materials is maintained. The review cycle shall begin in 2025, with subsequent reviews taking place in 2029, 2033, and every four (4) years thereafter.

(b) On or before December 1, 2020, and annually thereafter on or before December 1, the commissioner shall report to the governor, president of the senate, and the speaker of the house, regarding the progress toward fulfilling the requirements of this section, including, but not limited to, the high-quality curricula and materials identified, selected, and implemented by LEAs pursuant to this section.

(c) The state shall establish a professional development fund to provide professional learning to LEAs that elect to use prioritized curricula and materials in mathematics and English language arts as identified by the commissioner.

(d) 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 § 16-56-12 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-56 / Section 16-56-12
§ 16-56-12. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any provision of this chapter or the application of it to any person or circumstances is invalid, the invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of applications of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-90-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-90 / Section 16-90-6
§ 16-90-6. Reporting Requirements.
Status: in_force

(a) Within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this statute, the board of regents shall submit a report to the governor and the general assembly on the implementation of the adoption and implementation of the four (4) year cohort graduation rate formula. The report shall describe the interim measures the state is taking. The report should also detail each category, code and the corresponding definitions that the state has authorized for identifying, tracking, calculating and publicly reporting transfers out. This report shall be released to the public and posted on the state education departments publicly accessible web page contemporaneous with submission to the governor and the general assembly.

(b) On or before November 1st of each year, the board of regents shall submit a report to the governor and the general assembly on its efforts to collect, maintain, analyze, and publicly report high school graduation rates, and how the steps taken by that system comply with other appropriate provisions of this section. This report shall describe the statistical analyses and data verification activities undertaken by the state to confirm the accuracy of reported graduation rates, and shall detail any discrepancies identified. This report shall be released to the public and posted on the state education departments publicly accessible web page contemporaneous with submission to the governor and legislature.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-3-12 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-3 / Section 16-3-12
§ 16-3-12. Regional school district financial meeting  Special meetings.
Status: in_force

(a) The regional school district financial meeting to which all the voters qualified to vote in their respective cities or towns on any proposition for the imposition of a tax or the expenditure of money shall be held on the first Monday in February of each year at eight oclock (8:00) p.m. at the regional school district high school or any other location that the regional school district committee may publicly designate in advance; provided, however, that:

(1) The Exeter-West Greenwich regional school district meeting shall be held on the second (2nd) or third (3rd) Monday of April of each year at the discretion of the school committee at seven oclock (7:00) p.m.; and

(2) The Chariho Regional School District meeting for the calendar year 2002 only shall be held no later than March 23, 2002 at a time and date to be determined by the regional district school committee. The regional district school committee shall prepare and approve a budget no later than thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting date. The regional district school committee shall adopt a final proposed budget no later than ten (10) days prior to the annual meeting date and the treasurer of the regional school district shall certify the charge per pupil to each district treasurer by April 9, 2002.

(b) Special meetings may be called by vote of the regional school district committee or upon petition of two hundred (200) district voters filed in writing with the committee; provided, however, that for the Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District, a petition of five percent (5%) of registered voters shall be required to call a special meeting and the petition must be filed on or before May 15 of any year. The petition shall be presented in proper format with the signature, the printed name and the address of each registered voter, to the school committee at a duly convened school committee meeting.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-8-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-8 / Section 16-8-2
§ 16-8-2. Acceptance and administration of the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act for vocational education.
Status: in_force

The state of Rhode Island having accepted the provisions of an act passed by the senate and house of representatives of the United States in congress assembled, entitled An act to provide for the promotion of vocational education; to provide for co-operation with the states in the promotion of such education in agriculture and the trades and industries; to provide for co-operation with the states in the preparation of teachers of vocational subjects; and to appropriate money, and regulate its expenditure, approved February 23, 1917, designates the general treasurer as custodian for vocational education funds as required by that act of congress. The general treasurer shall receive and provide for the proper custody of money paid to the state from the federal 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 department of elementary and secondary education. The state board for vocational education shall have and shall exercise all the 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 § 16-7-17 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-17
§ 16-7-17. Time of payment of states share of the basic program and approved expenditures.
Status: in_force

There shall be paid by the state to each community in twelve (12) monthly installments an amount as determined by law to be the states share of the cost of the basic program for the reference year and all approved expenditures in excess of the basic program for the reference year; provided, however, that these payments to a community shall be reduced by the amount of funds deposited by the department into the local education agency EPSDT account in accordance with § 40-8-18 on behalf of the community. The July payment shall be two and fifty-four hundredths percent (2.54%) of the states share based upon the estimated pupil data, valuation data, and expenditure data for the reference year and the August through June payments shall each be eight and eighty-six hundredths percent (8.86%) of the aid due and payable based upon the data for the reference year. This payment schedule of twelve (12) monthly installments shall also apply to the city of East Providence, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 12, § 5.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-29-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-29 / Section 16-29-3
§ 16-29-3. Schools in shops and factories.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this chapter day continuation or evening schools may be established in shops or factories; provided, that these schools are under control and supervision of the school committee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-13-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-13 / Section 16-13-3
§ 16-13-3. Probationary period  Tenure after probation.
Status: in_force

(a) Three (3) annual contracts within five (5) successive school years shall be considered evidence of satisfactory teaching and shall constitute a probationary period. Teachers who complete the probationary period shall be considered in continuous service and shall not be subject to annual renewal or nonrenewal of their contracts. No tenured teacher in continuous service shall be dismissed except for good and just cause. Whenever a tenured teacher in continuous service is to be dismissed, the notice of the dismissal shall be given to the teacher, in writing, on or before March 1 of the school year immediately preceding the school year in which the dismissal is to become effective. If the dismissal is based on fiscal exigency or program reorganization, the notice of dismissal shall be given to the teacher, in writing, on or before June 1 of the school year immediately preceding the school year in which the dismissal is to become effective. The teacher shall be furnished with a complete statement of the cause(s) for the dismissal by the governing body of the school and shall be entitled to a hearing and appeal pursuant to the procedure set forth in § 16-13-4.

(b) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit, or at any time to have prohibited, a school committee from agreeing, in a collective bargaining agreement, to the arbitration of disputes arising out of the dismissal of a tenured teacher pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Any teacher employed by a local or regional school committee who has attained tenure in a Rhode Island public school system; who is appointed to an administrative position of principal, assistant principal, vice principal, superintendent, assistant superintendent, director, or other central office personnel in any Rhode Island public school system, including the original school district of employment; or who is hired for an administrative position as a fellow, education specialist, or director by the Rhode Island department of education, shall be granted an unpaid leave of absence, not to exceed three (3) years, in order to be employed in an administrative position of principal, assistant principal, vice principal, superintendent, assistant superintendent, director, or other central office personnel in any Rhode Island school system or the Rhode Island department of education. Said teachers shall, upon completion of their administrative position employment contract, or termination or resignation of the administrative position, be allowed to return to his or her former status as a tenured teacher within the system from which the leave of absence was taken. Such leaves of absence shall not be deemed to be an interruption of service for the purposes of seniority and teacher retirement.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-37 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-37
§ 16-2-37. Excused absences to include participation in agricultural fairs.
Status: in_force

When a school committee, by its policies, provides for excused absences from attendance in school, for participation in a sport or any other extracurricular activity, that policy shall be amended and deemed to also include an excused absence from attendance in school for attending or participating in agricultural fairs as listed or defined by the department of environmental management. The department of environmental management shall work in consultation with the department of elementary and secondary education to define what qualifies as an agricultural fair for purposes of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-57-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-57 / Section 16-57-7
§ 16-57-7. Council on postsecondary education.
Status: in_force

The council on postsecondary education established pursuant to § 16-59-1 shall retain all authority formerly vested in the higher education assistance authority board of directors, except as provided by § 16-57-6.1. Whenever in any general or public law reference is made to the board of directors of the higher education assistance authority, the reference shall be deemed to refer to and mean the council on postsecondary education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-20 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-20
§ 16-2-20. Visitation and examination of schools.
Status: in_force

The school committee shall make provision for visitation and inspection of every public school in the city or town by the superintendent of schools or other agent of the committee at regular periods or as often as may be required for proper supervision; provided that at least once during every school year an examination shall be made of the schoolhouse and premises, including classrooms, laboratories, and other rooms used by pupils and teachers, with particular reference to cleanliness, heating, lighting, seating, ventilation, and other sanitary arrangements, and to corridors, stairways, doors, windows, fire escapes, and other devices for the protection of life in case of fire; and of registers and other school records, of the school library, apparatus, and equipment in classrooms and laboratories, of the books, discipline, mode of teaching, and other matters that affect instruction. Report of the visitation and examination, with recommendations for the improvement of schools, shall be made to the school committee. This section shall apply to the city of Providence.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-60-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-60 / Section 16-60-5
§ 16-60-5. Meetings of board.
Status: in_force

(a) The regents shall hold regular meetings at least twice in each quarter of each calendar year. All meetings of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall be open to the public, provided that executive sessions may be held as subordinate parts of public meetings. Every February at a time and place to be determined by the regents, the regents shall hold a meeting to which it shall invite the entire membership of the general assembly. At least thirty (30) days written notice of the annual meeting shall be furnished to each invitee, which notice shall include an agenda of the meeting, which agenda shall include but not be limited to the budget submitted for the fiscal year beginning July 1 of the next fiscal period.

(b) In addition to other meetings, the regents shall hold at least one regular public meeting annually with representatives of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, the Rhode Island Association of School Committees, the Rhode Island School Superintendents Association, the Rhode Island Principals Association, the National Education Association of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers, for the purposes of obtaining their recommendations and comments regarding education policy and programs, and securing information from representatives of these organizations concerning the effectiveness of educational programs and policies, and considering any other mutually agreeable subjects.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-72-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-72 / Section 16-72-1
§ 16-72-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This section shall be known and may be cited as the Rhode Island Challenge Grants Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-33.2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-2 / Section 16-2-33.2
§ 16-2-33.2. City of Central Falls  School dress code.
Status: in_force

The Central Falls school district governing board, in conjunction with the superintendent, may adopt a school dress code for Central Falls primary, elementary, junior, and senior high school students; provided that:

(1) The principal, staff, and parents have had an opportunity to offer suggestions and comments;

(2) The dress code shall be adopted at a time determined by the governing board, and the governing board shall give notice to the parents three (3) months before a dress code is required; and

(3) That on days when a nationally recognized youth organization has a scheduled function, students participating in this organization shall be exempt from the dress code on that day.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-67-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-67 / Section 16-67-6
§ 16-67-6. Regulations 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.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-114-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-114 / Section 16-114-1
§ 16-114-1. Sheila C. Skip Nowell Academy.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the Sheila C. Skip Nowell Academy (hereinafter the academy) is hereby reconstituted and created as a public school and local educational agency authorized to operate pursuant to this chapter. The academy shall, upon the approval of the council on elementary and secondary education, cease operating as an independent charter school under chapter 77.3 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-64-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-64 / Section 16-64-3
§ 16-64-3. Burden of proof.
Status: in_force

In any proceeding where it is alleged that a childs residence has been changed due to illness of a parent, the break-up of the childs family, abandonment of the child by his or her parents, death of the childs parents, or emancipation of the child, the party alleging the existence of these circumstances shall have the burden of proof and shall make proof by a preponderance of the evidence.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-21 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-21
§ 16-59-21. Freedom from budget and lease control by other agencies.
Status: in_force

In order that the board of governors for higher education may control the personnel and equipment of the state colleges in the interest of educational efficiency, the board and the colleges are excepted from the provisions of subsection (a)(5) of § 35-3-1 relating to the employment of personnel, and from that part of § 42-20-8 which relates to the director of administration.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-57-6.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-57 / Section 16-57-6.1
§ 16-57-6.1. Tuition savings program.
Status: in_force

(a) The general treasurer, in conjunction with the state investment commission, executive director of the Rhode Island student loan authority, and the commissioner of postsecondary education, shall establish, in any form as the general treasurer deems appropriate, a tuition savings program to allow persons to save money for the sole purpose of meeting qualified higher education expenses.

(b) All money received in connection with the tuition savings program shall be segregated from all other funds into two (2) funds, a program fund and an administrative fund. No more than two percent (2%) of money in the program fund may be transferred annually to the administrative fund for the purpose of paying operating costs of administering the tuition savings program. Money accrued by participants in the program fund may be used for payments to an eligible institution. All proceeds from the tuition savings program shall be directed to the administrative fund, and to the extent they exceed the operating costs of administering the tuition savings program, said excess shall be used for financial aid-related activities in Rhode Island pursuant to § 16-56-6.

(c) The state investment commission shall invest money within the program fund in any investments that are authorized by the general laws, including equities and fixed-income securities. The composition of investments shall be determined by the state investment commission.

(d) A participant may at any time withdraw funds from the participants account in the tuition savings program in an amount up to the value of the account at the time the withdrawal is implemented, less such administrative fee as may be levied by the treasurer in connection with the withdrawal.

(e) Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions, no administrative fee may be levied by the treasurer in the event that a participant requests withdrawal of funds from the participants account in the tuition savings program on account of, and within the meanings of § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code [26 U.S.C. § 529]:

(1) The death of the beneficiary of the account;

(2) The disability of the beneficiary; or

(3) A scholarship, allowance, or payment received by the beneficiary to the extent that the amount of the refund does not exceed the amount of the scholarship, allowance, or payment.

(f) In the event that a participant requests a withdrawal from an account in the tuition savings program other than: (1) A withdrawal used for qualified higher education expenses of the beneficiary of the account or (2): For a reason referred to in subdivision (e)(1), (e)(2), or (e)(3) of this section, the treasurer shall impose a more than de minimis penalty on the earnings portion of the withdrawal in accordance with § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code [26 U.S.C. § 529]; provided that no penalty shall be imposed with respect to any such withdrawal, or any other withdrawal, from any account in the tuition savings plan to which the tax made applicable by § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code [26 U.S.C. § 529] is effective.

(g) [Deleted by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 7, § 6.]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-44-3 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-44 / Section 16-44-3
§ 16-44-3. Pawtuxet Valley Community College.
Status: in_force

The board of governors for higher education is authorized and empowered to establish an institution to be known as Pawtuxet Valley Community College, and the board is authorized to enroll students in the college.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-3-18 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-3 / Section 16-3-18
§ 16-3-18. Transfer and use of plant.
Status: in_force

In any instance where the regional school district embraces functions formerly performed by towns and cities within their borders which require the utilization of a plant, the plant shall be transferred to the regional school district or rented by it, and if transferred the regional school district shall assume responsibility for the servicing of outstanding debts on the plant.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-84-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-84 / Section 16-84-5
§ 16-84-5. Matching grants.
Status: in_force

Matching grants shall be made only for those contributions made after July 1, 2005.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-28.5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-28.5
§ 16-21-28.5. Training of school personnel.
Status: in_force

Training on the administration of epinephrine or glucagon for school personnel, or those employed on behalf of the school, shall not be considered the delegation of nursing practice.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-113-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-113 / Section 16-113-10
§ 16-113-10. Funding of and sunset of pilot program.
Status: in_force

The Rhode Island hope scholarship pilot program shall be funded from July 1, 2023, through and including June 30, 2030. There shall be no further funding of the pilot program without further action of the general assembly. Any final reports due pursuant to this chapter shall be filed pursuant to the dates set forth herein.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-71-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-71 / Section 16-71-1
§ 16-71-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known as the Educational Records Bill of Rights Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-38 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-7 / Section 16-7-38
§ 16-7-38. Time for payments to communities.
Status: in_force

There shall be paid on September 15 and March 15 of each year one-half (Â½) of the amount to which each community is entitled in terms of the computation in § 16-7-41.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-31 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-31
§ 16-16-31. Refund on termination prior to retirement.
Status: in_force

A member withdrawing from service prior to retirement shall be entitled to a refund equal to the total amount contributed by him or her to the teachers survivors benefit fund, without interest.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-14.1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-14.1
§ 16-21-14.1. Vision screening.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon entering kindergarten or within thirty (30) days of the start of the school year, the parent or guardian of each child shall present to school health personnel certification that the child, within the previous twelve (12) months has passed a vision screening conducted by a health care professional licensed by the department of health or has obtained a comprehensive eye examination performed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. For children who fail to pass the vision screening and for children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental delay, proof of a comprehensive eye examination performed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist indicating any pertinent diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, recommendation and evidence of follow-up treatment, if necessary, shall be provided.

(b) Any person who conducts a comprehensive eye examination of a child in response to such child having failed a vision screening given in accordance with the provisions of this section shall forward a written report of the results of the examination to the school health personnel and a copy of said report to a parent or guardian of such child and the childs primary health care provider. Said report shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) Date of report;

(2) Name, address and date of birth of the child;

(3) Name of the childs school;

(4) Type of examination;

(5) A summary of significant findings, including diagnoses, medication used, duration of action of medication, treatment, prognosis, whether or not a return visit is recommended and, if so, when;

(6) Recommended educational adjustments for the child, if any, which may include the following: preferential seating in the classroom, eyeglasses for full-time use in school, eyeglasses for part-time use in school, sight-saving eyeglasses or any other recommendations;

(7) Name, address and signature of the examiner.

(c) The department of health in consultation with the department of education shall promulgate regulations to carry out the purposes of this section, including the regular reporting to the departments of health and education on the results of examinations provided under subsection (b) above.

(d) The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall provide a comprehensive report on the education of blind and visually impaired children to the general assembly prior to March 1, 2009. The report shall include, but not limited to, an overview of policies and programs; an analysis of the effect that vision exam reports have had on improving education for children; and the comprehensive statewide vision education and services program; and recommendations. The commissioner shall provide an update of said analysis and report to the general assembly prior to March 1, 2012 and every three (3) years thereafter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-24 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-24
§ 16-59-24. Accessibility for people with disabilities.
Status: in_force

(a) The board of governors shall develop a policy, commitments, and procedures for students with disabilities setting forth the steps necessary to ensure that all public colleges, as defined in § 16-59-13, are accessible to persons with disabilities.

(b) The plan shall be substantially identical to the plan adopted by Rhode Island College and shall consider all persons with disabilities needs and shall adopt reasonable accommodations necessary to achieve equal participation in educational opportunities.

(c) The state building code standards committee shall adopt an accessibility for people with disabilities standard for public colleges that includes provisions ensuring that public colleges are accessible to and usable by all persons with disabilities.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-42 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-42
§ 16-16-42. Life insurance benefits.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any member who, at the time of retirement from service, has in effect life insurance provided for as a benefit of his or her employment shall, after retirement, be entitled to keep the policy of life insurance in effect by paying to the city or town an amount equal to the annual cost of the policy for the individual at the time of the individuals retirement. The policy of insurance shall remain in effect for so long as the member continues to make annual payments.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-39-2 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-39 / Section 16-39-2
§ 16-39-2. Appeal of school committee actions to commissioner.
Status: in_force

Any person aggrieved by any decision or doings of any school committee or in any other matter 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 § 16-62-16 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-62 / Section 16-62-16
§ 16-62-16. Authorization to accept appropriated money.
Status: in_force

The authority is authorized to accept any money as may be appropriated by the general assembly for effectuating its corporate purposes including, without limitation, the payment of the initial expenses of administration and operation and the establishment of reserves or contingency funds to be available for the payment of the principal of and the interest on any bonds, notes, or other obligations of the authority.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-114-7 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-114 / Section 16-114-7
§ 16-114-7. School funding.
Status: in_force

Students attending the academy shall do so on a full-time basis with the costs of their education being shared by the state and the district of residence as set forth under § 16-7.2-5. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, the district of residence shall be responsible for its share of school funding as provided herein for all district residents attending the academy who meet the enrollment requirements set forth in § 16-114-6. The academy shall be eligible to receive state or federal aid, grants, Medicaid revenue, and any other state or federal revenue as a local educational agency according to applicable federal and state law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-56-5 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-56 / Section 16-56-5
§ 16-56-5. Annual evaluation.
Status: in_force

An evaluation of this chapter shall be performed annually by the office of the postsecondary commissioner. The evaluation shall provide, as a minimum, a summary of the following information relating to award recipients: family income, student financial needs, basic educational opportunity grant awards, state awards, institutional based student assistance awards, federally guaranteed loans, other student assistance, institution attended, and other pertinent information.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-22-25 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-22 / Section 16-22-25
§ 16-22-25. Lyme disease awareness and prevention program.
Status: in_force

The department of elementary and secondary education shall, in collaboration with the department of health, make Lyme disease awareness and prevention resources available for all public school students in the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-31 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-21 / Section 16-21-31
§ 16-21-31. Notice of peanut/tree nut allergies  Posting.
Status: in_force

(a) In any school subject to the provisions of this chapter wherein a student with an allergy to peanuts/tree nuts and/or food derived from peanut/tree nuts products is in attendance, a notice shall be posted within that school building in a conspicuous place at every point of entry and within the cafeteria facility advising that there are students at said school with allergies to peanuts/tree nuts. The notice shall not identify the individual(s) with such allergy.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-19-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-19 / Section 16-19-4
§ 16-19-4. Prosecution of violations  Process  Fees.
Status: in_force

The truant officers shall, under the direction of the school committee, inquire into all cases arising under the provisions of this chapter, and shall be authorized, with the assistance of police officers upon request in case of violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, to make complaint for violations of this chapter. They may also serve all legal processes issued in pursuance of this chapter, but shall not be entitled to receive any fees for the service; provided, however, that in case of the commitment of any person under the provisions of any section of this chapter, or for default of payment of any fine and costs imposed, the officer shall be entitled to the regular fees allowed by law for similar service.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-57-8 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-57 / Section 16-57-8
§ 16-57-8. Designated agency.
Status: in_force

The office of the postsecondary commissioner is designated the state agency to apply for, receive, accept, and disburse federal funds, and funds from other public and private sources, made available to the state for use as reserves to guarantee student loans or as administrative money to operate student loan programs, and is designated to administer any statewide programs of student assistance that shall be established under federal law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-59-27 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-59 / Section 16-59-27
§ 16-59-27. Sale and purchase of degrees solely on the basis of life experience prohibited.
Status: in_force

(a) The purchase and sale of academic degrees wherein the degree is obtained on the basis of a combination of a payment of a fee and the attainment of academic credit for so-called life experiences, without the applicant undertaking any academic coursework at the entity or institution purporting to issue the degree, shall be prohibited. Provided, this section shall not prohibit an award of academic credit for work experience or other so-called life experience as part of a program to obtain a degree in higher education, but shall prohibit the award of such degree solely on the basis of such experience.

(b) Pursuant to its investigative powers under § 16-59-11, the board of governors shall investigate persons and entities brought to the boards attention that purport to offer academic degrees in violation of this section. By way of direction, and as a guide in enforcing this section, the general assembly notes that higher education can take many forms, and it is not the intent of this section to curtail or limit academic freedom and/or the use of alternative methods of instruction that deviate from traditional norms. Rather, the intent of this section is to prohibit the awarding and attainment of academic degrees primarily on the basis of purchase and sale, and to prevent the fraudulent use of life and work experience to attain academic credit.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-62-4 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-62 / Section 16-62-4
§ 16-62-4. Creation.
Status: in_force

(a) There is authorized, created, and established a public corporation of the state having a legal existence distinct from the state and not constituting a department of state government, which is a governmental agency and public instrumentality of the state, to be known as the Rhode Island student loan authority, with the powers that are set forth in this chapter, for the purposes of financing education through the making, purchasing, taking, acquiring, or lending against the security of, eligible loans and education loans and of selling eligible loans and education loans made, taken, endorsed, acquired, or purchased by it to governmental or private financial institutions.

(b) The exercise by the authority 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 authority all powers, authority, rights, privileges, and titles which may be necessary to enable it to accomplish the purposes set forth in this chapter, and this chapter and the powers granted by it shall be liberally construed in conformity with those purposes.

(c) The authority and its corporate existence shall continue until terminated by law or until the authority shall cease entirely and continuously to conduct or be involved in any business in furtherance of its purposes, provided that no termination shall take effect so long as the authority shall have bonds, notes, or other obligations outstanding, unless adequate provision shall have been made for their payment pursuant to the documents securing the bonds, notes, or other obligations or to the law. Upon termination of the existence of the authority, all its rights and properties shall pass to and be vested in the state. At no time shall the assets or other property of the authority inure to the benefit of any person or other corporation or entity.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-105-1 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-105 / Section 16-105-1
§ 16-105-1. Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

(a) The state of Rhode Island is committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities for all public school students.

(b) School facilities provide more than a place for instruction. The physical learning environment contributes to the successful performance of educational programs designed to meet students educational needs.

(c) Every student needs a safe, healthy, and sanitary learning environment that promotes student learning and development.

(d) School construction policies should encourage districts to reduce excess capacity through means such as partnering with other districts, closing buildings, and altering grade configurations in certain buildings to maximize the use of square feet.

(e) In order to maximize limited state resources, the project prioritization process should focus on projects with the most urgent and immediate need.

(f) State-funded school construction project financing should transition from a system that largely reimburses local debt service to one that provides a set amount of financing annually to provide greater stability from a budgetary perspective while guiding limited resources to best use.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-40-10 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-40 / Section 16-40-10
§ 16-40-10. Schools exempt.
Status: in_force

(a) Nothing contained in §§ 16-40-1 through 16-40-18, except the provisions of § 16-40-3, shall apply to any school or schools conducted under the public school system of this state, nor to any academy, college, university, or institution of education which shall have been established and conducted within this state for a period of ten (10) years prior to April 13, 1932, nor to any academy, college, university, or institution of education established by a special act of the general assembly of this state prior to January 1, 1987, nor to Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.

(b) Nothing contained in §§ 16-40-1 through 16-40-18 shall apply to any postsecondary school or schools solely offering distance learning pursuant to an interstate reciprocity agreement for distance learning if:

(1) The institution is situated in a state that is also participating in such agreement;

(2) The institution has been approved to participate in such agreement by its home state and other entities with oversight of such agreement;

(3) The institution has elected to participate in and operate in compliance with the terms of said agreement; and

(4) The institution is and remains a member in good standing under the reciprocity agreement.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-9-9 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-9 / Section 16-9-9
§ 16-9-9. Purchase of flags and staffs for school buildings.
Status: in_force

The school committees of the several towns of the state shall, in the same manner as now provided by law for the purchase of supplies for public schools by the committees, purchase for every school in their respective towns not now provided with a United States flag, flag staff, and the necessary appliances for the flag; and thereafter whenever the flag, flag staff, or the necessary appliances for the flag of any school shall from any cause become unsuitable for further use, the school committee shall in the same manner purchase others in place thereof.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-6 — RI Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16-16 / Section 16-16-6
§ 16-16-6. Credit for service in private schools or as federal employee  Contributions.
Status: in_force

In determining the creditable service of any teacher employed in any city or town for the purposes of retirement there may be added to, and included in, total service as defined in this chapter not more than five (5) years of service as a teacher or in a capacity essentially similar or equivalent to that of a teacher in any private school or institution, in any charter school not subject to subdivision 16-77-4(b)(12), and in public schools in which the teacher was paid by funds of the United States government except schools or institutions that are operated for profit; provided, however, that this service shall not be counted as creditable service unless the member shall pay into the retirement system a contribution equal to the full actuarial value of each year of credit for which application is made based on the salary of the member in effect at the date of application for the credit as determined by the retirement board. The retirement board shall fix and determine the time when and the conditions under which the payments shall be made.