reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
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 16-3-7.1. - Equalized representation.

§ 16-3-7.1. Equalized representation.
Any other provisions of this chapter or any other general or public law to the contrary notwithstanding, members of the regional district school committee shall be selected from voting districts as nearly equal in population as is practicable within each city or town in the district, and member cities or towns in the districts shall be entitled to representation on the school committee in proportion to their population.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 225, § 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 16-3-7.2. - Transfer of North Providence school department.

§ 16-3-7.2. Transfer of North Providence school department.
The North Providence school department shall be transferred from the Providence vocational area to the William E. Davies vocational area.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 298, § 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 16-3-8. - Submission of agreement to board of regents for elementary and secondary education and the cities or towns.

§ 16-3-8. Submission of agreement to board of regents for elementary and secondary education and the cities or towns.
Copies of the agreement drawn by the regional district planning board in accordance with § 16-3-7 shall be submitted to the state board of regents for elementary and secondary education for review and recommendation to the several cities or towns for their acceptance.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3511, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-4; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-8; 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 16-3-9. - Action by city or town on recommendations.

§ 16-3-9. Action by city or town on recommendations.
Each city or town council of the respective cities or towns shall, upon receipt of a recommendation that a regional school district should be formed, and of a proposed agreement submitted in accordance with the provisions of §§ 16-3-4 to 16-3-8, and with the approval required by § 16-3-8, direct the city or town clerk to cause the question of accepting the provisions of this and the following sections and the proposed agreement or agreements to be placed on the official warrant for the warning and calling of a special or annual financial town meeting or referendum to be held in either case within six (6) months after receipt of the recommendation by the city or town council, in substantially the following form:
“Shall the city or town accept the provisions of chapter 3 of title 16, providing for the establishment of a regional school district, together with the cities or towns of and , and the construction, maintenance, and operation of regional schools by the district in accordance with the provisions of a proposed agreement filed with the city or town council?”
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3511, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-5; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-9; 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 16-3-10. - Acceptance by voters — Establishment of regional school district.

§ 16-3-10. Acceptance by voters — Establishment of regional school district.
If a majority of the voters voting on the question in each of the several cities or towns shall vote in the affirmative to accept this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall apply, and the proposed regional school district shall be deemed to be established in accordance with the terms of the agreement adopted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3511, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-6; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-10; 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 16-3-12. - Regional school district financial meeting — Special meetings.

§ 16-3-12. Regional school district financial meeting — Special meetings.
(a)
The regional school district financial meeting to which all the voters qualified to vote in their respective cities or towns on any proposition for the imposition of a tax or the expenditure of money shall be held on the first Monday in February of each year at eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. at the regional school district high school or any other location that the regional school district committee may publicly designate in advance; provided, however, that:
(1)
The Exeter-West Greenwich regional school district meeting shall be held on the second (2nd) or third (3rd) Monday of April of each year at the discretion of the school committee at seven o’clock (7:00) p.m.; and
(2)
The Chariho Regional School District meeting for the calendar year 2002 only shall be held no later than March 23, 2002 at a time and date to be determined by the regional district school committee. The regional district school committee shall prepare and approve a budget no later than thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting date. The regional district school committee shall adopt a final proposed budget no later than ten (10) days prior to the annual meeting date and the treasurer of the regional school district shall certify the charge per pupil to each district treasurer by April 9, 2002.
(b)
Special meetings may be called by vote of the regional school district committee or upon petition of two hundred (200) district voters filed in writing with the committee; provided, however, that for the Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District, a petition of five percent (5%) of registered voters shall be required to call a special meeting and the petition must be filed on or before May 15 of any year. The petition shall be presented in proper format with the signature, the printed name and the address of each registered voter, to the school committee at a duly convened school committee meeting.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 197, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 149, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 16, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 380, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 3, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 3, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 13, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 14, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 4, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 8, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 11, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 9, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 4, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 7, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 5, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 3, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 6, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 7, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 2, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 4, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 27; P.L. 2002, ch. 11, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 12, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 47, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 2006, 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 16-3-13. - Powers of regional school district financial meeting.

§ 16-3-13. Powers of regional school district financial meeting.
The regional school district financial meeting shall determine the regional school district budget as to overall amounts, the decision as to the levying of taxes covering the functions of the regional school district, the purchase of land and the construction of buildings, the extension of the scope of the functions of the regional school district as approved by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, and the election of members to the regional school district school committee.
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 16-3-14. - Regional representatives.

§ 16-3-14. Regional representatives.
In cities and towns that do not have a regional school district financial meeting, the regional school committee or an alternative mechanism approved by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall determine the regional school district budget as to overall amounts, the purchase of land, and the construction of buildings.
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 16-3-15. - Moderator and clerk.

§ 16-3-15. Moderator and clerk.
The moderator of the regional school district financial meeting shall be the chairperson of the regional school district committee and the clerk of the meeting shall be the clerk of the regional school district committee.
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 16-3-16. - Operation expenses.

§ 16-3-16. Operation expenses.
The school district financial meeting or the regional representatives under the provisions of § 16-3-14 shall not be subject to tax limitations for operational purposes except as specifically provided in the agreement.
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 16-3-17. - Capital outlay debt limitation.

§ 16-3-17. Capital outlay debt limitation.
The regional school district financial meeting or regional representatives under the provisions of § 16-3-14 shall be subject to the statutory debt limit for incurring debt for capital outlay purposes in those regional school districts embracing all the educational functions of the area to ten percent (10%) of the full valuation of the taxable real property within the district as determined by the department of administration. If this results in increasing the debt requirements over the debt limits of any town or city which represents less than half (½) of the true valuation of the regional school district, this shall not be considered as a violation of the debt limit in the town or city.
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 16-3-18. - Transfer and use of plant.

§ 16-3-18. Transfer and use of plant.
In any instance where the regional school district embraces functions formerly performed by towns and cities within their borders which require the utilization of a plant, the plant shall be transferred to the regional school district or rented by it, and if transferred the regional school district shall assume responsibility for the servicing of outstanding debts on the plant.
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 16-3-19. - Costs of operation — Payment of debts — Apportionment among district members.

§ 16-3-19. Costs of operation — Payment of debts — Apportionment among district members.
(a)(1)
The cost of the operation of a regional school district and the cost of payment of an indebtedness of the regional school district authorized by the regional school district financial meeting or regional representatives under the provisions of § 16-3-14 shall be borne by the member towns and/or cities that comprise the regional school district in that proportion that the equalized weighted assessed valuation of the property of the towns and cities that lie within the regional school district as determined from the latest figure certified by the department of revenue bears to the total equalized weighted assessed valuation of the total property of the regional school district, or, if the figures from the department of revenue are not available, the latest figures on equalized weighted assessed valuation used by the state department of elementary and secondary education in determining equalization aid under chapter 7 of this title shall be used.
(2)
However, the apportionment of the cost of operating a regional school district and the cost of paying indebtedness may be determined by the members towns and/or cities that comprise the regional school district in a manner approved by a majority vote within each member community.
(b)
On or before March 1 in each year the treasurer of the regional school district shall determine the proportionate share of the cost of the operation and the cost of the capital debt service payments of the regional school district for the next regional school district fiscal year to be borne by the towns and/or cities that comprise the regional school district in the manner prescribed in subsection (a) of this section, and he or she shall notify the town or city treasurer of the towns and/or cities comprising the regional school district of the total amount of money necessary to be raised from the regional school district taxpayers of each town or city for the operation of the regional school district for the fiscal year following.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 197, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 72; P.L. 1988, ch. 336, § 5; P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 38, § 2.
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 16-3-20. - Appropriations by member towns.

§ 16-3-20. Appropriations by member towns.
(a)
Each city or town that is a member of a regional school district shall annually appropriate a sum sufficient to pay its proportionate share of the interest on the bonds and notes issued and outstanding under authority of this chapter, and also to pay its proportionate share of the principal of the bonds and notes maturing in any one year until the bonds and notes are fully paid.
(b)
Each city or town that is a member of the district shall annually appropriate a sum sufficient to pay its proportionate share of the operation of the regional school district in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
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 16-3-21. - Payments by members.

§ 16-3-21. Payments by members.
The town or city treasurer of each town or city of the regional school district shall forward to the regional school district treasurer on July 1, October 1, January 1, and April 1 one-fourth (¼) of the amount due for the operation of the regional school district for the fiscal year beginning July 1 from each town or city or parts thereof comprising the regional school district.
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 16-3-22. - Regional school fiscal year.

§ 16-3-22. Regional school fiscal year.
The regional school district fiscal years shall begin on July 1.
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 16-3-23. - Repealed.

§ 16-3-23. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 197, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1960, ch. 27, § 12.
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 16-3-24. - Additional state assistance.

§ 16-3-24. Additional state assistance.
In the event the general assembly shall enact legislation providing for financial assistance to cities and towns for school construction or for assisting the cities and towns in servicing the debt already incurred for the construction of schools, any regional school district shall be entitled to share in the aid in the same manner as any city or town.
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 16-3-25. - Districts organized prior to 1959.

§ 16-3-25. Districts organized prior to 1959.
(a)
A regional school district organized prior to January 1, 1959, shall be governed by the provisions of the act establishing it and the provisions of this chapter not inconsistent with it.
(b)
Amendments to the date of financial district meetings shall not be considered inconsistent with acts establishing pre-1959 regional school districts provided those amendments are limited to one year only.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 197, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 6, § 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 16-3-26. - Appropriation for regionalization studies.

§ 16-3-26. Appropriation for regionalization studies.
The cost of conducting the studies required under § 16-3-3.1 shall be borne by an annual state appropriation. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall establish regulations necessary to implement this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 336, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-1. - Purpose of this chapter.

§ 16-3.1-1. Purpose of this chapter.
The purpose of this chapter is threefold: to assist school districts within the state to establish cooperative service operations and the method of administering those operations; to provide for the delivery of administrative and instructional services desired by school districts; and to provide that the department of elementary and secondary education offer technical assistance to carry out the purpose of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 246, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-2. - Agreements.

§ 16-3.1-2. Agreements.
(a)
Any school committee, acting for or on behalf of its district, may enter into an agreement with one or more other school committees to conduct jointly instructional education programs and/or administrative functions, provided that the agreement has been reviewed and is recommended by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and has the approval of each participating school committee.
(b)
The department of elementary and secondary education shall provide technical assistance to any school districts expressing interest in the formation of cooperative services. It shall review proposed agreements and make recommendations prior to the submission of the agreements to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education for his or her consideration.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 246, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-3. - Rules and regulations.

§ 16-3.1-3. Rules and regulations.
The board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall adopt regulations regarding all aspects of the agreement. Each agreement shall fully describe the services to be rendered, the terms by which each school district shall share in the cost of the services, and shall provide for a method of governing the services which services shall be considered a part of the public school system.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 246, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-4. - Financial incentives.

§ 16-3.1-4. Financial incentives.
The board of regents for elementary and secondary education may provide for special grants which it may deem necessary to stimulate the formation of cooperative service arrangements, and it may establish the level of subsidy that it deems appropriate to continue the operation of any cooperative service area.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 246, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-5. - Termination of participation.

§ 16-3.1-5. Termination of participation.
(a)
Each original agreement shall provide for the disposition, upon termination, of any unencumbered funds, equipment, supplies, and property, real or personal, held pursuant to the agreement. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall resolve any and all disputes among participating school districts which the governing body is unable to resolve.
(b)
Any school district that is a party to a cooperative service agreement may terminate its obligation at the end of any fiscal year by written notice to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and all other parties, provided that notice is received at least six (6) months before the start of the state’s next ensuing fiscal year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 246, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-6. - Collective bargaining agreements unaffected.

§ 16-3.1-6. Collective bargaining agreements unaffected.
Nothing in this chapter shall allow any school district to abrogate any agreement reached by collective bargaining.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 246, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-7. - Newport County regional special education program.

§ 16-3.1-7. Newport County regional special education program.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the school committees of the towns of Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Little Compton are authorized and empowered to continue their cooperative efforts to provide special education programs and diagnostic services required by law or regulation, and related functions, through participation in the Newport County regional special education program and, for that purpose, to assign and delegate to their respective school committee chairs or designee or superintendents of schools or designee, acting as a regional board duties, responsibilities, and powers as the committees may deem necessary or desirable for the conduct, administration, and management of the regional special education program. In matters pertaining to the regional special education program, the regional board shall constitute and act as the school board referred to in chapter 24 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 310, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 433, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-8. - Regional center collaborative — Northern Rhode Island.

§ 16-3.1-8. Regional center collaborative — Northern Rhode Island.
(a)
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the school committees of the cities and towns of Lincoln, Cumberland, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Woonsocket, Smithfield, North Smithfield, North Providence, Johnston, Foster, Glocester, Foster-Glocester regional school district, and Burrillville are authorized and empowered to continue and/or initiate cooperative efforts to provide special education programs and diagnostic services required by law or regulation, to utilize technology, including without limitation television, to provide limited interest curriculum, and to provide programs for the gifted and talented, all on a collaborative basis. The various school committees may assign and delegate to their respective school committee chairs or designee or superintendents of schools or designee, acting as a regional board, any duties, responsibilities, and powers that the committees may deem necessary for the conduct, administration, and management of the regional center collaborative of northern Rhode Island.
(b)
The Northern Rhode Island Collaborative, as a nonprofit corporation, shall have all the powers provided in the R.I. Nonprofit Corporation Act (RI Gen. Laws § 7-6-1, et seq.):
(1)
To purchase, take, receive, lease, take by gift, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, mortgage, finance, improve, and use a certain parcel of realty and fixtures thereon located at 300 George Washington Highway, Smithfield, Rhode Island, and any parcels of realty contiguous thereto.
(2)
To create a wholly-owned subsidiary entity for the purpose of facilitating any of the powers, duties and responsibilities referred to above.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 515, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 433, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 353, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 471, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-9. - Regional collaborative.

§ 16-3.1-9. Regional collaborative.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the school committees of the towns and school districts of Westerly, New Shoreham, Chariho regional school district, Narragansett, Jamestown, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, and the Exeter-West Greenwich regional school district are authorized and empowered to continue and/or initiate cooperative efforts to provide services included but not limited to special education programs and diagnostic services required by law or regulation; to utilize technology without restriction; to provide limited interest curriculum; and to provide programs for the gifted and talented, all on a collaborative basis. The intent of the regional collaborative is to provide the opportunity for all children to receive educational services locally. The various school committees may assign and delegate to their respective school committee chairs or designee or superintendents of schools or designee, acting as a regional board, any duties, responsibilities and powers that the committees may deem necessary for the conduct, administration, and management of the regional collaborative — southern Rhode Island. A bylaw committee shall be named by the commission to study the feasibility of creating a south county regional network center to provide multiple services for students with disabilities. The committee’s membership should consist of three (3) special education directors, three (3) superintendents, three (3) parents, and two (2) other interested persons from the participating towns and school districts and any other person that the governing regional board may deem necessary. This regionalized collaborative shall enjoy any regionalized bonus aid wherever applicable to collaboratives or cooperative service areas.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 620, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 420, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 23; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 23; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 28; P.L. 2003, ch. 433, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-9.1. - Regional collaborative — West Bay Rhode Island.

§ 16-3.1-9.1. Regional collaborative — West Bay Rhode Island.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the school committees of the towns and school districts of West Warwick, Providence, Warwick, Coventry, Cranston, Scituate, Foster-Glocester regional school district, Foster, and Glocester are authorized and empowered to study and/or continue and/or initiate cooperative efforts to provide services included but not limited to special education programs and diagnostic services required by law or regulation; to utilize technology without restriction; to provide limited interest curriculum; and to provide programs for the gifted and talented, all on a collaborative basis in an effort to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness. The intent of the regional collaborative is to provide the opportunity for all children to receive educational services locally. The various school committees may assign and delegate to their respective school committee chairs or designee or superintendents of schools or designee, acting as a regional board any duties, responsibilities and powers that the committees may deem necessary for the conduct, administration and management of the regional collaborative — West Bay Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 306, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 433, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-10. - Regional center collaborative — East Bay Educational Collaborative.

§ 16-3.1-10. Regional center collaborative — East Bay Educational Collaborative.
(a)
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the school committees of the cities and towns of Barrington, Bristol, East Providence, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Warren are authorized and empowered to continue and/or initiate cooperative efforts to provide educational programs and/or services on a collaborative basis. The various school committees may assign and delegate to their respective school committee chairs or designee or superintendents of schools or designee, acting as a regional board of directors, any duties, responsibilities, and powers that the committees may deem necessary for the conduct, administration, and management of the East Bay Educational Collaborative.
(b)
Notwithstanding the above enumerated powers, duties and responsibilities referred to above and in chapter 3.1 of this title, the East Bay Educational Collaborative, as a nonprofit corporation incorporated pursuant to the R.I. Nonprofit Corporation Act (RI Gen Laws § 7-6-1, et seq.), shall have the authority to:
(1)
Purchase, take, receive, lease, take by gift, devise, or bequest, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, use and otherwise deal in and with real estate, including their current site location, to wit, 317 Market Street, Warren, Rhode Island, or such other site as meets the administrative and/or operational needs of the East Bay Educational Collaborative, subject to the approval of five (5) of the eight (8) school committees of the member districts of the collaborative or a majority of the school committees that are members of the collaborative at the time.
(2)
Sell, convey, mortgage, finance, bond, lend, lease, exchange, transfer, and otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property and assets, both real or personal, subject to the approval of five (5) of the eight (8) school committees of the member districts of the collaborative or a majority of the school committees that are members of the collaborative at the time.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 173, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 433, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 213, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 373, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-11. - Urban collaborative.

§ 16-3.1-11. Urban collaborative.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the school committees of the cities of Providence, Pawtucket, East Providence, Central Falls and other Rhode Island school districts as may be approved for inclusion by existing member districts in accordance with collaborative bylaws are authorized and empowered to continue and/or initiate cooperative efforts to provide alternate education programs and/or diagnostic services required by law or regulation for students achieving limited success in traditional settings and to do all things necessary including, but not limited to utilization of technology, including television, all on a collaborative basis. The various school committees may assign and delegate to their respective school committee chairs or designee or superintendents of schools or designee, acting as a regional board any duties, responsibilities, and powers that the committees may deem necessary for the conduct, administration, and management of the urban collaborative. Beginning on July 1, 2013 the urban collaborative shall be funded pursuant to the provisions of § 16-7.2-3. The state share of the permanent foundation education aid shall be paid directly to the urban collaborative pursuant to the provisions of § 16-7.2-7. The local school district shall transfer the difference between the calculated state share of the permanent foundation education aid and the amount calculated pursuant to the provisions of § 16-7.2-7 to the urban collaborative, until the transition of the state share is complete. In addition, the local school district shall pay the local share of education funding to the urban collaborative as outlined in § 16-7.2-5.
The urban collaborative shall be eligible to receive other aids, grants, Medicaid revenue, and any other revenue according to Rhode Island law, as though it were a school district. Federal aid received by the state shall be used to benefit students in the urban collaborative, if the school qualifies for the aid, as though it were a school district.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 173, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 194, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 433, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 12, § 9; P.L. 2013, ch. 270, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 352, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-12. - Repealed.

§ 16-3.1-12. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 173, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2001 ch. 86, § 29, effective July 6, 2001.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-13. - Reporting.

§ 16-3.1-13. Reporting.
Any collaborative established under this chapter shall implement a uniform system of accounting in compliance with § 16-2-9.3 to track their expenditures and investments and file a report on said expenditures and investments by October 1, of each year, with the Rhode Island board of regents for elementary and secondary education, the office of the auditor general, the Rhode Island senate committee on education and finance, the Rhode Island house of representatives committee on health, education and welfare and finance and local school committees. Each collaborative shall also file periodic reports, to the board of regents, the senate education committee and the house health, education and welfare committee, detailing their activities and programs.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 433, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 149, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 192, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-14. - Short title.

§ 16-3.1-14. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Cooperative Service Among School Districts Act of 2010.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 108, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-15. - Declaration of purpose.

§ 16-3.1-15. Declaration of purpose.
(a)
A collaborative approach to the dual mission of educational effectiveness and business efficiency is the purpose of this educational collaborative act. The goal is to maximize both educational effectiveness and business services which will lead to cost savings. The educational collaborative system will allow school districts to more appropriately concentrate on educating at the most local level, which should be their prime mission. This system can be defined as including not only the regional educational collaboratives and their boards, local district school committees and district superintendents, operating as private, nonprofit educational service agencies, but also the board of regents and the commissioner of the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education.
(b)
As used herein, the terms “collaborative,” “educational collaborative,” “regional collaborative,” and combinations thereof, shall be deemed to refer to the collaboratives established pursuant to this chapter, and recognized as 501(c)3 nonprofit corporations incorporated pursuant to the Rhode Island Nonprofit Corporation Act, Rhode Island general laws § 7-6-1, et seq. Nothing in this legislation is intended to erode the legal status of the regional collaboratives as 501(c)3’s and their boards of directors must be cognizant to their legal and fiduciary responsibilities to these enterprises.
(c)
The purpose of this act is also to bring the efforts of the members of the educational collaborative system, listed in subsection (a) above, into appropriate and productive dialogue and relationship with one another, in order to bring about the business efficiencies and quality instructional practice the legislature desires.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 108, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-16. - Financial incentives.

§ 16-3.1-16. Financial incentives.
The board of regents for elementary and secondary education may provide for special grants that it may deem necessary to stimulate and encourage the development of cooperative service agreements that would be administered by the area educational collaborative. The regents may also establish an ongoing level of subsidy that it deems appropriate to continue the operation of any cooperative service area.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 108, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-17. - Rules and regulations.

§ 16-3.1-17. Rules and regulations.
(a)
The board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall adopt rules and regulations regarding all aspects of the educational collaboratives mission and goals.
(b)
Instructional education programs and/or administrative and/or best business practice plans will be submitted to, and approved by, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.
(c)
Each educational collaborative will submit a plan to the board of regents for approval by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, that will increase efficiencies and economies of scale in providing instructional services. The plan will incorporate best practices from business, reflect a regional approach and accompanying volume increase, and shall include, but not be limited to, measures concerning:
(1)
Teacher training programs and staff development;
(2)
Special education programs and diagnostic services required by law or regulation and related functions;
(3)
Programs for the gifted and talented;
(4)
Programs for students who are at risk of suspension or expulsion;
(5)
Development of shared instructional services;
(6)
Act as regional or statewide administrative unit, or enabling unit, or as a participant of a joint purchasing agreement or agreements established pursuant to § 16-2-9.2, for such functions as transportation, cooperative purchasing of food, and other noninstructional support services, such as the purchasing of oil, gas, electricity, health care contracts, supplies, payroll and other business operations, as may be appropriate;
(7)
Any other consolidation of services and purchasing that achieves efficiencies and cost savings.
(d)
An educational collaborative may contract with a school district that is not a participating member, or another educational collaborative. Districts may contract any of their functions, individually and collectively, in whole or in part, to a regional collaborative when such contracting will increase efficiencies and economies of scale in providing instructional and business services.
(e)
The board of regents should consider the progress made or planned as reported and provide for special grants to stimulate the formation of cooperative service arrangements, or a level of subsidy appropriate to launch or continue the operation of any cooperative service area.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 108, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-18. - Board of directors.

§ 16-3.1-18. Board of directors.
Each educational collaborative’s board of directors will set policies and programs consistent with the aims and intents of this legislation for approval by the department of education and developed in conjunction with educational collaborative staff. Each participating school committee will appoint one member to the respective governing board. The board of directors will include an odd number of members. In the case of educational collaboratives with an even number of participating school districts, regional school districts may appoint two (2) members. School committees can appoint anyone they choose to the board of directors from their membership.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 108, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-19. - Collective bargaining agreements unaffected.

§ 16-3.1-19. Collective bargaining agreements unaffected.
Nothing in this chapter shall allow any school district to abrogate any agreement reached by collective bargaining.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 108, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.1 - Cooperative Service Among School Districts [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-3.1-20. - Building ownership.

§ 16-3.1-20. Building ownership.
Nothing in this chapter shall limit any of the five (5) educational collaboratives from purchasing, leasing, taking by gift, or otherwise acquiring, own, hold, mortgage, finance, improve, and use real estate for purposes of furthering their mission and goals to meet their administrative and operational needs. An affirmative majority of the educational collaborative’s board of directors will be needed to purchase, lease, mortgage or finance real estate. Such real estate may be exempt from local property taxes as described in Rhode Island general laws § 44-3-3.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 108, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-3.2 - School and Family Empowerment Act › Section 16-3.2-1. - Declaration of policy.

§ 16-3.2-1. Declaration of policy.
As part of the effort to transform education in Rhode Island, the general assembly is committed to developing and supporting strategies that foster cultures of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in Rhode Island schools. The general assembly believes that all district schools benefit from effective leadership, strong labor/management collaboration, strong community support and engagement, and the autonomy and flexibility to continuously improve instruction and implement and adopt strategies that meet the needs of their students. The general assembly therefore in this act establishes empowerment schools, which shall remain within a public-school district, under the district leadership of the superintendent and school committee, but which shall be managed collaboratively on site by the principal and the faculty, as an additional opportunity for supporting more high-performing and innovative schools within the Rhode Island system of public education. A school that volunteers to be an empowerment school, as defined in this chapter, shall have unprecedented levels of regulatory and statutory flexibility; school-based autonomy, including autonomy over budget; flexibility in school-based instructional policies and professional practices defined through shared leadership; and be uniquely positioned to create compelling learning environments responsive to increased student and parent/family empowerment. Similarly, in this act, the general assembly establishes the affirmative right for students and their parents/families to enroll in an empowerment school that is different than their assigned school based on residence, in order to seek innovative instructional policies and practices that best match their learning needs, so long as the empowerment school has elected, as part of its empowerment plan, to accept students from other schools within the student’s district of residence.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 142, art. 11, § 7.