reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-7.2 - The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act › Section 16-7.2-8. - Accountability.

§ 16-7.2-8. Accountability.
(a)
Pursuant to §§ 16-7.1-3 and 16-7.1-5, the department of elementary and secondary education (the “department”) shall use the uniform chart of accounts to maintain fiscal accountability for education expenditures that comply with applicable laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the basic education program. This data shall be used to develop criteria, priorities, and benchmarks specific to each local education agency (LEA) to improve cost controls, efficiencies, and program effectiveness. The department shall present LEA-specific information to the LEA to which it applies, and provide a summary of all LEA reports to the governor and the general assembly annually, beginning on August 1, 2022.
(b)
The department of elementary and secondary education shall establish and/or implement program standards to be used in the oversight of the use of foundation aid calculated pursuant to § 16-7.2-3. Such oversight will be carried out in accordance with the progressive support and intervention protocols established in chapter 7.1 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 124, § 4; P.L. 2010, ch. 125, § 4; P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 10, § 2, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-7.2 - The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act › Section 16-7.2-9. - Applicability.

§ 16-7.2-9. Applicability.
This chapter applies to education aid for any city, town or regional school district including the Central Falls state operated school district, charter schools, the William M. Davies, Jr. Career and Technical High School, and the Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center. Calculation and distribution of aid under §§ 16-7-20.5, 16-7.1-6, 16-7.1-8, 16-7.1-9, 16-7.1-10, 16-7.1-11, 16-7.1-11.1, 16-7.1-12, 16-7.1-15, 16-7.1-16, 16-7.1-17, 16-7.1-18, 16-7.1-19, 16-67-4, and 16-77.1-2 is hereby suspended effective July 1, 2011, until further action by the general assembly. Aid under this chapter will be paid pursuant to § 16-7-17, except that aid to the Central Falls state operated school district and charter schools, Davies, and the Met Center pursuant to § 16-7.2-5 shall be paid in twelve (12) equal installments on the first of each month.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 124, § 4; P.L. 2010, ch. 125, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-7.2 - The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act › Section 16-7.2-10. - Reporting to the General Assembly.

§ 16-7.2-10. Reporting to the General Assembly.
On or before November 15, 2010, the department of education shall report to the senate president, speaker of the house, and chairs of the Senate and House Finance Committees on the following: (a) The identification and evaluative impact of alternative mechanisms to update or supplement the median family income factor relied upon in the EWAV variable utilized in the permanent education aid formula in accordance with this section; (b) An analysis of the feasibility, alternative financing mechanisms, and impact of the Central Falls Stabilization Fund pursuant to this section; and, (c) a multi-year analysis of the impact of the financing of charter schools and vocational schools, pursuant to this section, on local school districts.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 124, § 4; P.L. 2010, ch. 125, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-1. - State board for vocational education.

§ 16-8-1. State board for vocational education.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 16-8-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-2. - Acceptance and administration of the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act for vocational education.

§ 16-8-2. Acceptance and administration of the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act for vocational education.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1918, ch. 1622, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 68, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 193, § 5; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 12; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-8-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-3. - Acceptance and administration of the Vocational Education Act of 1946.

§ 16-8-3. Acceptance and administration of the Vocational Education Act of 1946.
The state of Rhode Island accepts the provisions of an act passed by the senate and house of representatives of the United States in congress assembled, entitled “An act to amend the act of June 8, 1936, relating to vocational education, so as to provide for the further development of vocational education in the states and territories” approved August 1, 1946, and designates the general treasurer as custodian for vocational education funds as required by the act of congress. The general treasurer shall receive and provide for the proper custody of money paid to the state from the general treasury under the provisions of the act of congress and shall disburse the money upon orders drawn by the state controller upon requisitions of the state board of vocational education. The state board for vocational education shall have and shall exercise all powers necessary to cooperate, on behalf of the state, with the federal office of education in the administration of the provisions of the act of congress.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 193, § 6; P.L. 1948, ch. 2104, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 16-8-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-4 - — 16-8-6. Repealed.

§ 16-8-4 — 16-8-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 2959, §§ 1-3; G.L. 1956, §§ 16-8-4 — 16-8-6; Repealed by P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 34, effective July 6, 2001.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-7. - School lunch programs — Definitions.

§ 16-8-7. School lunch programs — Definitions.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1979, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-8-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-8. - Acceptance and use of federal school lunch funds.

§ 16-8-8. Acceptance and use of federal school lunch funds.
The department of elementary and secondary education is authorized to accept and direct the disbursement of funds appropriated by any act of congress and apportioned to the state in connection with the establishment and maintenance of school lunch programs. The department of elementary and secondary education shall deposit all funds received from the federal government with the general treasurer, to be placed in a special account, and drawn upon only on receipt of properly authenticated vouchers signed by the department of elementary and secondary education.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1979, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-8-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-9. - Administration of program.

§ 16-8-9. Administration of program.
The department of elementary and secondary education may enter into any agreements, with any agency of the federal government, with any school board, or with any other agency or person, prescribe any regulations, employ any personnel, and take any action, that it may deem necessary to provide for the establishment, maintenance, operation, and expansion of any school lunch program, and to direct the disbursement of federal and state funds in accordance with existing provisions of the federal and state laws. The department of elementary and secondary education may give technical advice and assistance to any school board in connection with the establishment and operation of any school lunch program and may assist in training personnel engaged in the operation of these programs. The department of elementary and secondary education may accept any gift for use in connection with any school lunch program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1979, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 16-8-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-10. - Mandatory school lunch programs.

§ 16-8-10. Mandatory school lunch programs.
All public elementary and secondary schools shall be required to make type A lunches available to students attending those schools in accordance with rules and regulations adopted from time to time by the department of elementary and secondary education. To the extent that federal, state, and other funds are available, free and reduced price type A lunches shall be provided to all students from families that meet the current specific criteria established by federal and state regulations. The requirement that type A lunches be provided shall apply to locally managed school lunch programs, and school lunch programs administered directly by the department of elementary and secondary education or by any other public agency whether using school facilities or a commercial catering service. The department of elementary and secondary education is further authorized to expand the school lunch program to the extent that federal, state, and/or local funds are available by the utilization of one or more food preparation centers for delivery to participating schools for the purpose of providing meals to students on a more economical basis than could be provided by a community acting individually.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1979, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 16-8-10; P.L. 1972, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 45.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-10.1. - Mandatory school breakfast programs.

§ 16-8-10.1. Mandatory school breakfast programs.
(a)
All public schools shall make a breakfast program available to students attending the school. The breakfast meal shall meet any rules and regulations that are adopted by the commissioner.
(b)
The state of Rhode Island shall provide school districts a per breakfast subsidy for each breakfast served to students. The general assembly shall annually appropriate some sum and distribute it based on each district’s proportion of the number of breakfasts served in the prior school year relative to the statewide total in the same year. This subsidy shall augment the nonprofit school food service account and be used for expenses incurred in providing nutritious breakfast meals to students.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 31, § 5; P.L. 1999, ch. 31, art. 23, § 4; P.L. 1999, ch. 219, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 55, art. 20, § 3; P.L. 2000, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 376, art. 9, § 13; P.L. 2005, ch. 117, art. 13, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-10.2. - Mandatory contract terms.

§ 16-8-10.2. Mandatory contract terms.
No school board or school receiving aid under this chapter for school lunch programs shall negotiate, extend, or renew any school lunch service contract unless the contract provides for payments to school-lunch workers and aides for one hundred and eighty (180) days or the length of the contract for the school year, whichever is longer.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 159, § 1, effective June 27, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 160, § 1, effective June 27, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-11. - Program accounts — Reports — Audits — Inspections.

§ 16-8-11. Program accounts — Reports — Audits — Inspections.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1979, § 5; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-8-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-12. - Studies and appraisals of lunch programs.

§ 16-8-12. Studies and appraisals of lunch programs.
The department of elementary and secondary education is authorized, to the extent that funds are available for these purposes, and in cooperation with local school boards and other appropriate organizations, to conduct studies as to methods of improving and expanding school lunch programs and promoting nutritional education in the schools, to conduct appraisals of the nutritive benefits of school lunch programs, and to report its findings from time to time to the governor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1979, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 16-8-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-13. - Annual school lunch appropriations.

§ 16-8-13. Annual school lunch appropriations.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1979, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-8-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-14. - Federal aid funds — Custody — Disbursement.

§ 16-8-14. Federal aid funds — Custody — Disbursement.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2311, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-8-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-8 - Federal Aid [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-8-15. - Education Jobs Fund.

§ 16-8-15. Education Jobs Fund.
For FY 2012 only, state general revenue appropriations to all local education agencies — including school districts, charter schools, and state schools — shall be reduced by the amount allocated to each local education agency under the terms of the federal Education Jobs Fund program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 5, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-9 - School Funds and Property › Section 16-9-1. - Receipt and payment of school funds by town treasurer.

§ 16-9-1. Receipt and payment of school funds by town treasurer.
The town treasurer shall receive the money due the town from the state for public schools, and shall keep a separate accounting of all money appropriated by the state or town or otherwise for public schools in the town, and shall pay the money to the order of the school committee; provided, however, that school expenditures, encumbrances, and accruals shall not, in any fiscal year, exceed the total revenue appropriated for public schools in the town. Should the town treasurer, finance director, or other charter officer charged with general responsibility for town finances, or the school financial officer, estimate that actual public school expenditures, encumbrances, and accruals may exceed the total revenue appropriated for the expenditures in any fiscal year, the school committee, the superintendent of schools, and the chief elected officials of the town shall be notified. Purchase orders or financial commitments shall not be authorized even on the order of the school committee unless it can be proven that there will not be an excess of expenditures, encumbrances, and accruals over revenues. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit a school committee from negotiating and contracting with school employees and teachers for services to be rendered in the ensuing fiscal years pursuant to chapters 9.3 and 9.4 of title 28.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 54, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 69, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 179, § 5; impl. am. Const. Amend., art. 27; G.L. 1956, § 16-9-1; P.L. 1980, ch. 152, § 4; P.L. 1981, ch. 397, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-9 - School Funds and Property › Section 16-9-2. - Annual statement — Contents.

§ 16-9-2. Annual statement — Contents.
The town treasurer shall, before the tenth (10th) day of July in each year, submit to the school committee a statement of all money applicable to the support of public schools for the current school year, specifying the sources of the money.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 54, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, § 12; P.L. 1922, ch. 2234, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 69, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 179, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 16-9-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-9 - School Funds and Property › Section 16-9-3. - Repealed.

§ 16-9-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 54, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, § 13; P.L. 1922, ch. 2234, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 69, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 179, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-9-3; Repealed by P.L. 1987, ch. 152, § 1, effective June 23, 1987.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-9 - School Funds and Property › Section 16-9-4. - Town providing for schoolhouses.

§ 16-9-4. Town providing for schoolhouses.
Any town may vote, in a meeting notified for that purpose, to provide schoolhouses, together with the necessary fixtures and appendages.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 54, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 69, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 179, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 16-9-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-9 - School Funds and Property › Section 16-9-4.1. - New school construction — Regulations for technology requirements.

§ 16-9-4.1. New school construction — Regulations for technology requirements.
(a)
The department of elementary and secondary education is instructed to develop regulations to ensure that any city, town, or district which undertakes “new school construction” as defined in this section provides in the planning for necessary wiring which is consistent with current standards for computer networking technology in schools.
(b)
The sponsor of any new school construction project or any school project involving the leasing of any portion of an existing building for use as a school shall also comply with the requirements for schools set forth in § 23-19.14-4.
(c)
For the purposes of this section, “new school construction” means:
(1)
Any new school buildings.
(2)
Additions of any new classrooms to existing school buildings.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 129, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 163, § 2; P.L. 2012, ch. 179, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-9 - School Funds and Property › Section 16-9-5. - Power of city or town to condemn for school purposes — Maximum acreage.

§ 16-9-5. Power of city or town to condemn for school purposes — Maximum acreage.
Any city or town from time to time may take lands within the city or town, improved or unimproved, for the location of schoolhouses, the enlargement of schoolhouse lots, and for school purposes, provided that the amount of the land at any one taking shall not exceed fifteen (15) acres; except that:
(1)
The town of Foster may at any one taking take lands for these purposes in an amount not exceeding ten (10) acres;
(2)
The city of Warwick may at any one taking take lands for these purposes in an amount not exceeding fifteen (15) acres, provided, however, that before the city of Warwick may take more than five (5) acres for this purpose, it shall hold a public hearing;
(3)
The town of Narragansett may at any one taking take lands for these purposes in an amount not exceeding twelve (12) acres, provided, however, that before the town of Narragansett may take more than five (5) acres for this purpose, it shall hold a public hearing;
(4)
The town of Jamestown may at any one taking take lands for these purposes in an amount not exceeding twenty-five (25) acres;
(5)
The city of Cranston may at one taking take lands for these purposes in an amount not exceeding twenty-five (25) acres.
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 1306, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 75, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 82, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 1949, ch. 2312, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-9-5; P.L. 1970, ch. 315, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 356, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 348, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 431, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 35.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-9 - School Funds and Property › Section 16-9-6. - Filing of description of land taken — Notice to owners — Payment of agreed price.

§ 16-9-6. Filing of description of land taken — Notice to owners — Payment of agreed price.
If any town has already passed or shall pass a vote to erect a schoolhouse or to enlarge a schoolhouse lot, and the school committee shall fix upon a location for the schoolhouse in the town or shall determine that a school lot ought to be enlarged, the school committee of the town shall, within six (6) months from the date of the passage of a resolution by the school committee to take any land for these purposes, file in the records of land evidence for the town a description of the land, and also a plat of the land, and a statement that the land is taken pursuant to the provisions of §§ 16-9-5 to 16-9-8, which description and statement shall be signed by the chairperson or president of the school committee, and upon the filing of the description, statement, and plat, the title in fee simple of the land shall vest in the town. After the filing of the description, statement, and plat, notice of the taking of the land shall be served upon the owners of and persons having an estate in and interested in the land by the town sergeant of the town leaving a true and attested copy of the description and statement with each of the persons personally, or at their last and usual place of abode in this state with some person living there, and, in case any persons are absent from this state and have no last and usual place of abode in this state occupied by any person, or in case the whereabouts of any persons are unknown to the town sergeant, the copy shall be left with the persons, if any, in charge of or having possession of the land taken of the absent person and persons whose whereabouts are unknown, and another copy of the description and statement shall be mailed to the address of the absent persons if they are known to the officer. After the filing of the description and statement, the town clerk of the town shall cause a copy of the description and statement to be published in some newspaper published in the county in which the town is located at least twice a week for three (3) successive weeks. If any party shall agree with the school committee for the price of the land so taken, the agreed price shall immediately be paid to that party by the town.
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 1306, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 75, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 82, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 343, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 16-9-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-9 - School Funds and Property › Section 16-9-7. - Assessment of land value by jury — Petition of owner.

§ 16-9-7. Assessment of land value by jury — Petition of owner.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 1306, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 75, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 82, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 343, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 16-9-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-9 - School Funds and Property › Section 16-9-8. - Late filing of petition by landowner not receiving personal notice.

§ 16-9-8. Late filing of petition by landowner not receiving personal notice.
In case any owner of or person having an estate in or interested in the land shall fail to receive personal notice of the taking of the land, and shall fail to file his or her petition as provided in § 16-9-7, the court in its discretion may permit the filing of the petition subsequent to the period of one year from the filing of the description and statement; provided, the person shall have had no actual knowledge of the taking of the land in season to file the petition; and provided, the town, after the filing of the description and statement, shall not have paid any other persons claiming to own the land the price or value of the land, or be liable to pay for the land under any judgment rendered against the town under the provisions of §§ 16-9-5 to 16-9-8.
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 1306, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 75, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 82, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 343, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 16-9-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-9 - School Funds and Property › Section 16-9-9. - Purchase of flags and staffs for school buildings.

§ 16-9-9. Purchase of flags and staffs for school buildings.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 818, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 27; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 27; G.L. 1956, § 16-9-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-9 - School Funds and Property › Section 16-9-10. - Display of flags.

§ 16-9-10. Display of flags.
The school committees of the several towns shall cause the United States flag to be displayed upon the public school buildings or premises during school hours if in their best judgment it is practicable, otherwise at any times that they may direct, and the committees shall also establish rules and regulations for the proper care, custody, and display of the flag; and when for any cause it is not displayed, it shall be placed conspicuously in the principal room of the school building.
History of Section.
P.L. 1906, ch. 818, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 28; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 16-9-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-10 - Consolidation of Schools [Repealed.] › Section 16-10-1 - — 16-10-5. Repealed.

§ 16-10-1 — 16-10-5. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1898, ch. 544, §§ 1, 5, 7, 8; P.L. 1900, ch. 743, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 74, §§ 1, 4, 6, 7; P.L. 1915, ch. 1235, §1; P.L. 1922, ch. 2234, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 81, §§ 1, 4, 6, 7; P.L. 1936, ch. 2375, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 197, §§ 1, 4, 6, 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 197, § 12; P.L. 1939, ch. 690, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, §§ 16-10-1 — 16-10-5; Repealed by P.L. 1960, ch. 27, § 12, and P.L. 1980, ch. 395, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11-1. - Certification of public school teachers required — Deductions from state aid for noncompliance.

§ 16-11-1. Certification of public school teachers required — Deductions from state aid for noncompliance.
No person shall be employed to teach, as principal or assistant, in any school supported wholly or in part by public money unless the person shall have a certificate of qualification issued by or under the authority of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education. Provided, however, that any person who is employed as a part time speech and language pathologist at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, for a period of not less than ten (10) years prior to July 11, 1990, shall not be required to have a certificate of qualification, and shall be exempt from the provisions of this section which require the certificate. In case any city or town shall pay or cause to be paid any of the public money to any person for teaching who did not, at the time of teaching, hold a certificate, then the department of elementary and secondary education shall deduct a sum equal to the amount so paid from the amount of the state’s money due, or which may thereafter become due, to the city or town, before giving his or her order in favor of the city or town for any of the public money under the provisions of §§ 16-1-10, 16-1-11, and 16-5-22.
History of Section.
P.L. 1898, ch. 544, § 9; P.L. 1903, ch. 1114, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 68, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 71, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 180, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-11-1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 46; P.L. 1990, ch. 326, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11-2. - Examinations — Issuance of certificates.

§ 16-11-2. Examinations — Issuance of certificates.
The board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall hold, or cause to be held, in any places in different parts of the state and at any times it may determine, examinations for the position of teacher in the public schools of this state; and the board of regents for elementary and secondary education is authorized to issue certificates of qualification which shall be valid throughout the state for the grade and time specified in the certificate. All assessed fees shall be deposited as general revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1898, ch. 544, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 68, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 71, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 180, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-11-2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 44.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11-2.1, 16-11-2.2. - Repealed.

§ 16-11-2.1, 16-11-2.2. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 385, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 46; Repealed by P.L. 1996, ch. 404, § 13, effective August 9, 1996.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11-2.3. - Standardized testing — Issuance of certificates.

§ 16-11-2.3. Standardized testing — Issuance of certificates.
(a)
No person who obtained an initial certificate prior to January 8, 2002 shall be barred from certification under this chapter solely because of his or her score on any standardized teacher’s examination; provided, however, that he or she successfully completes an assessment, based on criteria established by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, in accordance with 34 CFR § 200.56.
(b)
The board of regents for elementary and secondary education may administer a written examination to prospective teachers seeking certification.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 352, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11-3. - Certificates without examination.

§ 16-11-3. Certificates without examination.
The board of regents for elementary and secondary education may, in its discretion, issue certificates of qualification without examination to persons who may present evidence of qualification and shall comply with the regulations of the board. Provided, that any teacher who is certified in two (2) fields or subjects of science, other than general science, shall also be automatically certified in the field or subject of general science without the need for examination or other proof of qualifications in the subject of general science.
History of Section.
P.L. 1898, ch. 544, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 68, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 71, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 180, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-11-3; P.L. 1980, ch. 379, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11-4. - Annulment of certificates — Annulment, renewal, or recertification of certificates.

§ 16-11-4. Annulment of certificates — Annulment, renewal, or recertification of certificates.
(a)
The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate rules and regulations under which a certificate may be annulled for cause. The holder shall be entitled to notice and a hearing before the commissioner of elementary and secondary education prior to the annulment of the certificate. The holder shall have an opportunity to appeal the decision of the commissioner to the council on elementary and secondary education, if desired.
(b)
In the event the license of any person licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter is subject to renewal or recertification, for any reason, including, but not limited to, the payment of licensing fees, the department of elementary and secondary education shall send notice to such person of the need for such renewal or recertification, by electronic mail or e-mail. Said notice shall be issued at least ninety (90) calendar days prior to the proposed action. Such notice shall include:
(1)
The action proposed by the department;
(2)
The date such action proposed is to be taken; and
(3)
A statement as to what actions the person needs to perform to retain the license, if applicable.
(c)
The notice required by subsection (b) of this section shall be in addition to, and not in place of, any other notice required by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 94, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 115, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 139, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 152, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 1, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11-6. - Designated state official.

§ 16-11-6. Designated state official.
The “designated state official” for this state shall be the commissioner of elementary and secondary education. The commissioner is hereby authorized to enter into contracts pursuant to article III of the agreement in § 16-11-5.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 206, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11-7. - Publication of contracts.

§ 16-11-7. Publication of contracts.
True copies of all contracts made on behalf of this state pursuant to the agreement shall be kept on file in the office of the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and in the office of the secretary of state. The department of elementary and secondary education shall publish all contracts in convenient form.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 206, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11-8. - Recruitment and selection of teachers — Troops to Teachers.

§ 16-11-8. Recruitment and selection of teachers — Troops to Teachers.
(a)
The Rhode Island department of education shall, as part of its certification of qualified candidates, utilize and apply for available grants with the Troops to Teachers (TTT) program whose oversight is provided by the United States Department of Defense and managed by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES).
(b)
The implementation of the TTT program pursuant to this section shall be contingent upon federal funding. State funds or appropriations shall not be utilized in connection with the implementation of this section.
(c)
The commissioner shall promulgate whatever rules and regulations, including the creation of necessary forms and applications, that are required to carry out the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 287, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11-9. - Fast-track principal certification program.

§ 16-11-9. Fast-track principal certification program.
(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).
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 117, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 151, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 121, § 1, effective June 19, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 122, § 1, effective June 19, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11-10. - Streamlining English language learner certification.

§ 16-11-10. Streamlining English language learner certification.
(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.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 296, § 1, effective January 1, 2022; P.L. 2021, ch. 297, § 1, effective January 1, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.1 - Athletic Coaches › Section 16-11.1-1. - Athletic coaches — First aid course required.

§ 16-11.1-1. Athletic coaches — First aid course required.
The department of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate rules and regulations concerning the necessary requirements for first aid certification for any person who coaches in any athletic program in any school supported wholly or in part by public money.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 208, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 83, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 20, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.1 - Athletic Coaches › Section 16-11.1-2. - Duties of coach — Preseason lecture.

§ 16-11.1-2. Duties of coach — Preseason lecture.
Prior to the start of each sport’s season, the head coach of a team which regularly competes against a school which receives public funds shall give or sponsor a lecture to his or her team as regards the long-term health effects of substance abuse, including, but not limited to, the use of steroids, alcohol, and drugs. The head coach shall utilize community resources including drug counselors and the student assistance program when giving or sponsoring the lecture.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 376, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.2 - Qualifications of Teacher Assistants › Section 16-11.2-1. - “Teacher assistant” defined.

§ 16-11.2-1. “Teacher assistant” defined.
The term “teacher assistant” as used in this chapter is deemed to include any person employed to provide instructional or other direct services to students (and/or their parents/legal guardian) under the supervision and direction of the classroom teacher or other appropriately-certified professional staff. The department of elementary and secondary education shall coordinate the development of program standards for a training program for teacher assistants. The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop and make program standards available.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 167, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 96, § 1.