reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-15.1. - Pawtucket school committee — Abandonment, closing, reopening, or acquisition of school buildings — Public hearings.

§ 16-2-15.1. Pawtucket school committee — Abandonment, closing, reopening, or acquisition of school buildings — Public hearings.
The school committee of the city of Pawtucket, whenever it shall deem it necessary to abandon or close an existing school building for a period of more than six (6) months or acquire or reopen a new school building, by either the purchase or lease of real property, shall conduct a public hearing within the city of Pawtucket for the purpose of addressing the issues of the desirability and necessity for the abandonment, closing, reopening, or acquisition, the reassignment of displaced students to other public education facilities, and the transportation of the displaced students. Any hearing shall be held on a date no more than six (6) months nor less than forty-five (45) days before the date of any abandonment, closing, reopening, or acquisition. The school committee shall give notice of the public hearing specifying the time and place of the hearing by publication of the notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the city of Pawtucket at least two (2) weeks and not more than four (4) weeks prior to the date of the hearing. At the hearing, opportunity shall be given residents of the city interested to be heard upon the proposed abandonment, closing, reopening, or acquisition and other related matters, including the reasonable opportunity to submit written or oral questions to the school committee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 408, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-16. - Rules and regulations — Curriculum.

§ 16-2-16. Rules and regulations — Curriculum.
The school committee shall make and cause to be put up in each schoolhouse rules and regulations for the attendance and classification of the pupils, for the introduction and use of textbooks and works of reference, and for the instruction, government, and discipline of the public schools, and shall prescribe the studies to be pursued in the schools, under the direction of the department of elementary and secondary education.
History of Section.
G.L., 1896, ch. 60, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 19; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-17.1. - In school suspensions.

§ 16-2-17.1. In school suspensions.
Suspensions issued shall not be served out of school unless the student’s conduct meets the standards set forth in § 16-2-17(a) or the student represents a demonstrable threat to students, teachers, or administrators.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 171, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 186, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-18. - Selection of teachers and superintendent — General control of schools — Expenses.

§ 16-2-18. Selection of teachers and superintendent — General control of schools — Expenses.
The selection of superintendent, in any city or towns that do not unite for the employment of a superintendent, and the entire care, control, and management of all the public school interests of the several cities or towns, shall be vested in the school committee of the several cities or towns, and they shall also draw all orders for the payment of their expenses; provided, that these expenses shall not in any fiscal year exceed the total of all revenue appropriated by the state or city or town or otherwise for the public schools under the care, control, and management of the school committee. If, in any fiscal year a school committee is notified that estimated expenses may exceed total available appropriations, the school committee shall adopt and implement a plan to maintain a balanced school budget, which plan shall provide for continuous regular public school operations consistent with the requirements of § 16-2-2; provided, that in no fiscal year shall a deficit be permitted for school operations. It is provided that, with the exception of the selection of the superintendent, the selection and appointment of teachers and other school department personnel shall be made by the superintendent with the consent of the school committee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1903, ch. 1101, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 22; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-18; P.L. 1980, ch. 152, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 336, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-18.2. - Prior criminal records checks.

§ 16-2-18.2. Prior criminal records checks.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 315, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 286, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-18.3. - Rules and regulations.

§ 16-2-18.3. Rules and regulations.
The commissioner of elementary and secondary education is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the intent of this chapter. These regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the rule-making provisions of chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 315, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-18.4. - Criminal records review for volunteers.

§ 16-2-18.4. Criminal records review for volunteers.
(a)
Any person who is a current or prospective volunteer of a private school or public school department and who may have direct and unmonitored contact with children and/or students on school premises, shall undergo a state criminal background check to be initiated prior to or within one week of commencement of such volunteer work.
(b)
The applicant shall apply to the bureau of criminal identification (BCI), department of attorney general, state police or local police department where he or she resides, for a state criminal records check. Upon the discovery of any disqualifying information, the bureau of criminal identification, state police or local police department will inform the applicant in writing of the nature of the disqualifying information; and, without disclosing the nature of the disqualifying information will notify the school department in writing that disqualifying information has been discovered.
(c)
A person against whom disqualifying information has been found may request that a copy of the criminal background report be sent to the school department which shall make a judgment regarding the qualifications and fitness of said person to volunteer for the school department.
(d)
In those situations in which no disqualifying information has been found, the bureau of criminal identification, state police or local police department shall inform the applicant and the school department in writing of this fact.
(e)
For purposes of this section, “disqualifying information” means those offenses listed in § 23-17-37, and those offenses listed in §§ 11-37-8.1 and 11-37-8.3.
(f)
The school department shall maintain on file, subject to inspection by the department of elementary and secondary education, evidence that criminal records checks have been initiated on all volunteers seeking employment subsequent to July 1, 2012, and the results of the checks. The current or prospective volunteer shall be responsible for the costs of the state criminal records check.
(g)
As used in this section and § 16-2-18.5, the term “school department” means the school department for a public school as well as the governing administrative body for a private school.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 34, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 45, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-18.5. - Prior criminal records checks for school volunteers.

§ 16-2-18.5. Prior criminal records checks for school volunteers.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 34, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 45, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-19. - Children attending in adjoining cities or towns.

§ 16-2-19. Children attending in adjoining cities or towns.
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.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 60, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-20. - Visitation and examination of schools.

§ 16-2-20. Visitation and examination of schools.
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.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 60, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 18; P.L. 1925, ch. 599, § 1; P.L. 1926, ch. 879, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-21.1. - Repealed.

§ 16-2-21.1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 182, § 13; P.L. 1988, ch. 336, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 77, § 1, effective July 1, 1992.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-21.2. - Three-year budget forecasting process.

§ 16-2-21.2. Three-year budget forecasting process.
(a)
On or before November 1 of each year, the highest elected official of each town or city shall submit to the school committee an estimate, prepared in a manner approved by the department of administration, of projected revenues for the next three (3) fiscal years. In the case of the property tax, the projection shall include only changes in the property tax base, not property tax rates.
(b)
On or before November 1, the school committee shall submit to the city or town council an estimate of its expenditures by major program and school revenues for the three (3) years, which designates those expenditures, in whole or in part, that are required by state law or regulation.
(c)
The state shall cooperate by the preparation and provision of information necessary to develop these three (3) year forecasts. The department of elementary and secondary education shall provide estimates of school aid based on current law or based on experience in previous years as determined by the commissioner. The department of elementary and secondary education shall also prepare a three (3) year plan to show the impact of state aid and state educational programs on each school district. All state aid estimates and three (3) year plans prepared by the department of elementary and secondary education shall be submitted to the director of the department of administration for review and comment prior to distribution among school districts. The department of administration shall develop a methodology for the calculation of three (3) year revenue forecasts by cities and towns. At the request of any city or town, the department of administration shall assist the city or town in making a forecast of revenues. In the absence of a request, the department of administration shall certify that any forecasts made by a city or town are consistent with the department of administration’s methodology. The retirement board established pursuant to § 36-8-3 shall provide projected rates for contribution to the teacher and municipal retirement systems. The state budget officer shall supply the assumptions he or she is using regarding the performance of the economy of the state.
(d)
There shall annually be a joint meeting between the city or town council and the school committee not later than December 31st to review the revenue and expenditure projections and to discuss issues affecting the preparation of the school budget.
(e)
For school districts that are not on a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year, the department of elementary and secondary education may, upon request of the district, establish other time periods for this planning process.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 182, § 13; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 71; P.L. 1989, ch. 126, art. 10, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-21.3. - Meetings with city and town councils.

§ 16-2-21.3. Meetings with city and town councils.
For the purposes of §§ 16-2-21 and 16-2-21.2, the term “town or city council” means the town or city council or other elected body charged by either local charter or public law with either preparing the budget for submission to town meeting or for final adoption of the budget. Meetings between the town or city council, as defined, and the school committee shall be held under the provision of law governing the meetings of the council. The school committee of a regional school district shall meet independently with the council of each town or city within the regional school district.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 13, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 71.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-21.5. - Notification of state school aid to school districts.

§ 16-2-21.5. Notification of state school aid to school districts.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 22, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-21.6. - Collective bargaining fiscal impact statements.

§ 16-2-21.6. Collective bargaining fiscal impact statements.
(a)
Prior to executing any collective bargaining agreement between a school committee and representatives of teachers and/or other school employees, the school committee in any municipality, or regional school district with an elected school committee, or the chief executive officer in any municipality with an appointed school committee shall prepare or cause to be prepared a collective bargaining fiscal impact statement. These statements shall set forth, in dollar amounts, estimates of the fiscal impact, during the term of the proposed agreement. No comment or opinion relative to the merits of the terms of the contract shall be included, except that technical or mechanical errors or defects may be noted.
(b)
The fiscal impact statement and the awarded contract shall be publicized and shall be made immediately available upon ratification of the contract.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 36, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 265, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-22. - Repealed.

§ 16-2-22. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 60, § 21; G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 24; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-22; Repealed by P.L. 1996, ch. 404, § 12, effective August 9, 1996.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-23. - Expenditures pending annual appropriation.

§ 16-2-23. Expenditures pending annual appropriation.
The school committee, in the interval between the close of the city or town fiscal year and the making of the annual appropriations for the support of public schools, may expend for public school purposes the unexpended balance remaining in the treasury from the school appropriation of the expired fiscal year, and for each month a sum of money not exceeding one-twelfth (
1
/
12
) of the amount appropriated in the preceding year for the support of public schools, and the city or town treasurer shall pay orders drawn by the school committee in accordance with the provisions of this section from any money in the city or town treasury not otherwise appropriated.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 17; P.L. 1919, ch. 1804, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 29; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-24. - Survey of city or town schools.

§ 16-2-24. Survey of city or town schools.
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 (½) 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.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 63, § 21; P.L. 1922, ch. 2234, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 65, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 176, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-24; P.L. 1962, ch. 35, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-25. - Distribution of powers in Providence and Cranston.

§ 16-2-25. Distribution of powers in Providence and Cranston.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1896, ch. 420, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 73, § 6; P.L. 1915, ch. 1192, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 77, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-26. - Special statutes prevailing.

§ 16-2-26. Special statutes prevailing.
Except as provided in this section, the provisions of this chapter are subject to the provisions of any special statutes respecting any particular city or town, none of which are repealed by this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-27. - Eligibility for attendance — Kindergarten.

§ 16-2-27. Eligibility for attendance — Kindergarten.
Every child who has attained, or will have attained, five (5) years of age on or before September 1 of any school year shall be eligible to attend kindergarten during all the days that the kindergartens are in session during the school year. Every child who has attained, or will have attained, six (6) years of age on or before September 1 of any school year shall attend kindergarten during all the days that the kindergartens are in session during the school year if said child has not previously attended and successfully completed kindergarten. When a child is enrolled in kindergarten, the attendance requirements of § 16-19-1 shall apply. All school districts shall provide full-day kindergarten to every eligible student pursuant to chapter 99 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1966, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 71; P.L. 2002, ch. 323, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 467, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 471, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 97, § 1, effective June 19, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 98, § 1, effective June 19, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-28. - [Repealed.]

§ 16-2-28. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1966, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 71; P.L. 1988, ch. 642, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 393, § 1; repealed by P.L. 2023, ch. 97, § 2, effective June 19, 2023; repealed by P.L. 2023, ch. 98, § 2, effective June 19, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-28.1. - Regulations.

§ 16-2-28.1. Regulations.
The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate regulations, including criteria for eligibility for waiver, pertaining to § 16-2-28 [repealed].
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 642, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-28.2. - Kindergarten multiple sessions.

§ 16-2-28.2. Kindergarten multiple sessions.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 188, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-29. - Repealed.

§ 16-2-29. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 275, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 113, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1976, ch. 330, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-30. - School lunch programs.

§ 16-2-30. School lunch programs.
All municipal school systems in this state shall make available, in their school lunch programs, low fat fortified milk with a milk fat content of one percent (1%) or less.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 219, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-31. - School crossing guard equipment.

§ 16-2-31. School crossing guard equipment.
All municipal school systems in this state shall provide flags, belts, apparel, and devices to children acting in the capacity of school crossing guards, and this equipment shall be made from retro-reflective and/or fluorescent materials visible both day and night at three hundred feet (300′) to approaching motorists using lawful low beam headlights.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 32, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 68, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-32. - Policy manual for school committee.

§ 16-2-32. Policy manual for school committee.
(a)
All school committees in the state will have a policy manual. The policy manual will have all school committee policies in writing, properly indexed, and kept up to date. The policy manuals will be a source used to govern each school system. Regularly updated policy manuals shall be made available to the public on the website of each school district. Provided, any school or school district comprehensive school safety plan regarding crisis intervention, emergency response, and management, including those adopted by a school committee pursuant to the provisions of § 16-21-23, shall be excluded from and shall not be made available to the public on a school or school district website.
(b)
There is appropriated the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), from money not otherwise appropriated, to the department of elementary and secondary education to implement a school committee/administrator training program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 642, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 113, § 1, effective June 19, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 114, § 1, effective June 19, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-33. - City of Woonsocket — Compensation to school committee members.

§ 16-2-33. City of Woonsocket — Compensation to school committee members.
The city council of the city of Woonsocket shall appropriate a sum certain and annually determine salaries for the chairperson and members of the school committee for the city of Woonsocket.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 394, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 503, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-33.1. - City of Woonsocket — School dress code.

§ 16-2-33.1. City of Woonsocket — School dress code.
The Woonsocket school committee, in conjunction with the superintendent, may adopt a school dress code for Woonsocket elementary, middle and 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 school committee, and the school committee 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.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-33.2. - City of Central Falls — School dress code.

§ 16-2-33.2. City of Central Falls — School dress code.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 277, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 343, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-35. - The Middletown public schools sponsorship program.

§ 16-2-35. The Middletown public schools sponsorship program.
(a)
The school committee of the town of Middletown shall be authorized to adopt by resolution the Middletown public schools sponsorship program (the “program”). The purpose of said program shall be to provide funding to aid the Middletown school district in maintaining its current extra-curricular program offerings by creating paid advertising and sponsorship opportunities through the Middletown public schools.
(b)
Such program shall meet the following guidelines and criteria:
(1)
Proposals for sponsorships shall be reviewed by the superintendent of schools, and if approved by the superintendent, such approval shall be submitted to the Middletown school committee for final approval;
(2)
Paid advertising and business sponsorships shall be permitted on school district grounds only with the prior approval of both the superintendent and the school committee of the town of Middletown.
(3)
The Middletown school committee shall promulgate a policy on advertising and business sponsorship. Any advertising on school property, in district publications, and distribution or display that is paid for by a private, business, or commercial sponsor shall be consistent with the provisions of such policy. In promulgating such policy, the school district shall be especially cognizant of the requirements of chapter 21 of this title in regard to health and safety of pupils.
(i)
Advertising and business sponsorships shall be limited to products, services, and issues that support and promote a positive educational atmosphere.
(ii)
Approved advertising, signage, and other promotions shall be in good taste, use good production quality, and shall not detract from the educational environment.
(c)
Prohibited advertising and business sponsorships shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1)
Anything that is illegal, obscene, profane, vulgar, prurient, defamatory, violent, abusive, impolite, or that contains sexual content, sexual imagery, or sexual overtones, or that is otherwise not suitable for minors;
(2)
Anything that is discriminatory or promotes goods or services not suitable for use or consumption by minors;
(3)
Materials in support of or promoting a specific religion or religious viewpoint; and
(4)
Materials in support of or promoting a specific political candidate or viewpoint.
(d)
The provisions of the section shall not apply to information, promotions, or announcements issued by the town of Middletown and/or the state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 270, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-36. - Orientation.

§ 16-2-36. Orientation.
All public schools shall, prior to September 1 of each year, make every effort to provide written notice to parents, guardians, or caretakers of students inviting those parents, guardians, or caretakers to attend orientation at the school within thirty (30) days from the start of the school year.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 280, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 281, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-37. - Excused absences to include participation in agricultural fairs.

§ 16-2-37. Excused absences to include participation in agricultural fairs.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 381, § 1, effective June 26, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 382, § 1, effective June 26, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2.1 - Civic Education Commission › Section 16-2.1-1. - Civic education commission.

§ 16-2.1-1. Civic education commission.
There is hereby created a permanent commission to be known as the Rhode Island Permanent Commission on Civic Education to consist of twenty-one (21) members; three (3) of whom shall be from the house of representatives, not more than two (2) from the same political party, to be appointed by the speaker; three (3) of whom shall be from the senate, not more than two (2) from the same political party, to be appointed by the senate president; one of whom shall be the Rhode Island secretary of state, or designee; two (2) of whom shall be teachers or representatives of teachers, one of whom shall be a member of the National Education Association of Rhode Island, to be appointed by the speaker, and one of whom shall be a member of the American Federation of Teachers, to be appointed by the senate president; one of whom shall be a member of the Superintendent’s Association, or Principal’s Association, to be appointed by the speaker; one of whom shall be the director of the Rhode Island Historical Society, or designee; one of whom shall be the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, or designee; one of whom shall be the commissioner of postsecondary education, or designee; one of whom shall be from the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, to be appointed by the speaker; one of whom shall be from the Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, to be appointed by the senate president; one of whom shall be a teacher at a parochial/private school institution, to be appointed by the speaker; one of whom shall be the director of museum and program at the Rhode Island Heritage Harbor Foundation, or designee; one of whom shall be the director of the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, or designee; one of whom shall be the director of the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, or designee; one of whom shall be the director of the Progreso Latino, or designee; and one of whom shall be the director of the Center for Civic Education, or designee.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 388, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 477, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 543, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 209, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 245, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2.1 - Civic Education Commission › Section 16-2.1-2. - Powers and duties.

§ 16-2.1-2. Powers and duties.
(a)
The commission is empowered to appoint committees to study specialized areas of concern and to report their findings and recommendations to the commission; provided, however, that one of these committees shall be a Rhode Island history committee.
(b)
All departments and agencies of the state shall furnish advice and information, documentary and otherwise, to the commission and its agents as may be necessary or desirable to facilitate the purposes of this chapter.
(c)
The commission shall report its findings and/or recommendations to the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, and the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.
(d)
Eight (8) members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
(e)
The commission shall meet at least two (2) times per year.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 388, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 209, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 245, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2.1 - Civic Education Commission › Section 16-2.1-3. - Definitions.

§ 16-2.1-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, “civic education” means the goal of education in civic and government is informed, responsible participation in political life by competent citizens committed to the fundamental values and principles on American constitutional democracy. Their effective and responsible participation requires the acquisition of a body of knowledge and of intellectual and participatory skills. Effective and responsible participation also is furthered by development of certain dispositions or traits of character that enhance the individual’s capacity to participate in the political process and contribute to the healthy functioning of the political system and improvement of society.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 388, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3 - Establishment of Regional School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3-1. - Purpose of chapter.

§ 16-3-1. Purpose of chapter.
The purpose of this chapter is to assist communities within the state to operate schools on a more efficient and economic basis through the development of regional school districts and to enhance the services of the schools in line with present day needs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 197, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3 - Establishment of Regional School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3-2. - Purposes of regional school district schools.

§ 16-3-2. Purposes of regional school district schools.
Regional school districts may be organized for the establishment of schools for the purposes enumerated in this section:
(1)
To operate all schools and educational services;
(2)
To operate elementary or secondary schools;
(3)
To operate vocational or technical schools;
(4)
To operate a community college; and
(5)
To operate other schools as the people of the regional school district may determine, subject to the approval by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 197, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 336, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3 - Establishment of Regional School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3-3. - Regional school educational services.

§ 16-3-3. Regional school educational services.
Regional school districts formed under the provisions of this chapter to operate any one of the types of schools listed in § 16-3-2 may establish any one or more of the following types of services for all the pupils of the regional school district if so specified in the agreement:
(1)
To provide education for individuals with disabilities;
(2)
To provide transportation for all schools in the regional district;
(3)
To provide school health services;
(4)
To provide guidance services;
(5)
To provide either general supervisory services for all the schools of the area or supervisory services in some special field such as vocational education; and
(6)
To provide other educational services as the people of the regional district may determine, subject to approval by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 197, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 22; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3 - Establishment of Regional School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3-4. - Creation of planning committee — Appropriations.

§ 16-3-4. Creation of planning committee — Appropriations.
(a)
Any city or town, by majority vote of its appropriating authority, may create a special unpaid committee to be known as a regional school district planning committee, to consist of three (3) members, two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the president of the city or town council and one of whom shall be appointed by the chairperson of the school committee; and shall at the same meeting appropriate for the expense of the committee a sum, not exceeding one tenth of one percent (.1%) of the assessed valuation of the city or town in the preceding year.
(b)
The committee may consist of more than three (3) members; if this is the case then two-thirds (⅔) shall be appointed by the president of the city or town council, and the remaining members by the chairperson of the school committee.
(c)
In cities and towns where the mayor or town administrator is directly elected, the committee shall be appointed in equal numbers of members by the mayor or town administrator, president of the city or town council, and chairperson of the school committee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3511, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-1; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-4; P.L. 1958, ch. 197, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 336, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3 - Establishment of Regional School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3-5. - Formation of regional planning board.

§ 16-3-5. Formation of regional planning board.
Regional school district planning committees from any two (2) or more cities or towns may join together to form a regional school district planning board or boards. A regional school district planning board shall organize immediately upon its formation by the election of a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary treasurer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3511, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-2; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-5; P.L. 1958, ch. 197, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 336, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3 - Establishment of Regional School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3-6. - Studies and reports by planning board.

§ 16-3-6. Studies and reports by planning board.
It shall be the duty of the regional school district planning board to study the advisability of establishing a regional school district, its organization, operation, and control, and of constructing, maintaining, and operating a school or schools and the types of services to be performed by the school or schools to serve the needs of the district; to estimate the construction and its operating costs; to investigate the methods of financing the school or schools, and any other matters pertaining to the organization and operation of a regional school district; and to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the city or town councils of the several participating cities or towns. Planning boards created under § 16-3-3.1 shall include in their report the items listed in § 16-3-3.1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3511, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-3; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-6; P.L. 1958, ch. 197, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 336, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3 - Establishment of Regional School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3-7. - Recommendations as to establishment of regional district.

§ 16-3-7. Recommendations as to establishment of regional district.
The regional district planning board may recommend that there shall be established a regional school district which may include all the cities or towns represented by its membership, or alternatively, any specified combination of the cities or towns. If the regional district planning board so recommends, it shall submit a proposed agreement or agreements setting forth as to each alternative recommendation, if such be made, the following:
(1)
The number, composition, method of selection, and terms of office of the members of the regional district school committee.
(2)
The cities or towns in which the regional district school or schools are to be located.
(3)
The type of regional district school or schools and the type of services to be undertaken by the regional school district.
(4)
The method of apportioning the expenses of the regional school district, and the method of apportioning the costs of school construction, including any interest and retirement of principal of any bonds or other obligations issued by the district among the several cities or towns comprising the district, and the time and manner of payment of the shares of the several cities or towns of the expenses.
(5)
The method by which school transportation shall be provided, and if transportation is to be furnished by the district, the manner in which the expenses shall be borne by the several cities or towns.
(6)
The terms by which any city or town may be admitted to or separated from the regional school district.
(7)
The method by which the agreement may be amended.
(8)
The detailed procedure for the preparation and adoption of an annual budget.
(9)
Any other matters, not incompatible with law, which the board may deem advisable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3511, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-4; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-7; P.L. 1958, ch. 197, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 336, § 5.