reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.2 - Qualifications of Teacher Assistants › Section 16-11.2-2. - General qualifications of teacher assistants.

§ 16-11.2-2. General qualifications of teacher assistants.
No person shall be employed as a teacher assistant in any school supported in whole or in part by public funds unless he or she shall:
(1)
Be of good character as verified by the employer;
(2)
Hold a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma;
(3)
For any person hired after January 1, 1999, complete a training program in compliance with the teacher assistant program standards developed by the department of elementary and secondary education pursuant to § 16-11.2-1. The training program shall not be required of those persons employed as a teacher assistant in another Rhode Island school district prior to January 1, 1999, those who hold certification as a teacher assistant in another state, or those who hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and have completed coursework or other training consistent with the teacher assistant program standards developed by the department of elementary and secondary education;
(4)
If hired after January 8, 2002, and providing an instructional service, have completed at least two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education, obtained an associate’s (or higher) degree; or otherwise met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate through a formal state or local academic assessment an appropriate level of: (i) knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics; or (ii) knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate. Assessments developed at the local level may consist of performance assessments documenting teacher assistant skills; and
(5)
If hired on or before January 8, 2002, and providing instructional service, meet the requirements set forth in subdivision (4) herein not later than January 8, 2006. The employer shall pay for up to two (2) test administration fees for all teacher assistants hired prior to July 1, 2003.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 167, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 96, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 126, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.2 - Qualifications of Teacher Assistants › Section 16-11.2-3. - Continued professional development of teacher assistants.

§ 16-11.2-3. Continued professional development of teacher assistants.
(a)
As a condition of continued employment every person employed as a teacher assistant shall participate in ongoing professional development.
(b)
Each school district or institution employing teacher assistants shall maintain records on a teacher assistant’s completion of:
(1)
Training for the work assignment;
(2)
Continuing education and relevant coursework;
(3)
For any person hired after January 1, 1999, a certificate of completion from a training program which complied with the teaching assistant training program standards developed by the department of elementary and secondary education pursuant to § 16-11.2-1; and/or
(4)
The requirements set forth in § 16-11.2-2(4).
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 167, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 96, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 126, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.2 - Qualifications of Teacher Assistants › Section 16-11.2-4. - Prior experience.

§ 16-11.2-4. Prior experience.
Any person employed as a teacher assistant on August 5, 1996 shall not be required to meet the requirement set forth in § 16-11.2-2(2) and (3), but shall meet all other requirements imposed by this section no later than August 5, 1996.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 167, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 96, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.2 - Qualifications of Teacher Assistants › Section 16-11.2-5. - Standardized testing.

§ 16-11.2-5. Standardized testing.
Except as provided in § 16-11.2-2, no person shall be deemed not qualified to be a teacher assistant under this chapter solely because of his or her score on any standardized teacher assistant’s examination. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to require standardized testing for noninstructional teaching assistant positions.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 167, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 126, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 136, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.2 - Qualifications of Teacher Assistants › Section 16-11.2-6. - Teacher assistant substitutes.

§ 16-11.2-6. Teacher assistant substitutes.
Any teacher assistant hired after July 1, 2002 who substitutes as a teacher assistant for more than twenty (20) days during any school year shall be required to meet the general qualifications of teacher assistant as provided in § 16-11.2-2.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 235, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.3 - State-Wide Early Reading Success Institute › Section 16-11.3-1. - Panel established.

§ 16-11.3-1. Panel established.
The department of elementary and secondary education shall convene an early reading success panel composed of elementary school teachers, school administrators, national experts in the field of reading research, and early childhood and higher education experts knowledgeable in the field of reading research. The panel shall review research on how reading is learned and on the knowledge and skills necessary for teachers to deliver effective reading instruction by July 1, 2001.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 278, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.3 - State-Wide Early Reading Success Institute › Section 16-11.3-2. - Reading success institute.

§ 16-11.3-2. Reading success institute.
The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop, within available appropriations, a state-wide early reading success institute for educators based on the review completed by the early reading success panel pursuant to § 16-11.3-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 278, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.4 - Rhode Island Certification Standards Board [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11.4-1. - Legislative intent.

§ 16-11.4-1. Legislative intent.
The general assembly recognizes that teaching and the rendering of other professional educational services in the pre-kindergarten through grade twelve (12) of public schools in this state affect the public interest. The general assembly further recognizes the importance of governing the preparation, licensure, and regulation of public school teachers and administrators through policies for teacher and administrator certification that maintain the highest professional standards and that are promulgated by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education with full input from those practicing in the profession.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 188, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.4 - Rhode Island Certification Standards Board [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11.4-2. - Policy advisory board on teacher and administrator certification — Establishment — Composition.

§ 16-11.4-2. Policy advisory board on teacher and administrator certification — Establishment — Composition.
There is hereby established a policy advisory board on teacher and administrator certification to consist of eleven (11) members: two (2) of whom shall be representatives of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals; two (2) of whom shall be representatives of the National Education Association of Rhode Island; two (2) of whom shall be members of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island (AICU Rhode Island); one of whom shall be a representative of the University of Rhode Island School of Education; one of whom shall be a representative of the Rhode Island College School of Education; one of whom shall be a representative of the Rhode Island Association of School Principals; one of whom shall be a representative of the Rhode Island Association of School Administrators; and one of whom shall be the commissioner of higher education, or his or her designee. The director of the department of elementary and secondary education office of teacher preparation, certification and professional development shall be non-voting ex-officio to the board. The policy advisory board shall advise the commissioners of elementary and secondary education and the board of regents for elementary and secondary education on the development of all policies, rules, and regulations relating to the certification of teachers and administrators.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 110, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 129, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.4 - Rhode Island Certification Standards Board [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11.4-3. - Policy advisory board on teacher and administrator certification — Meetings — Staff support.

§ 16-11.4-3. Policy advisory board on teacher and administrator certification — Meetings — Staff support.
(a)
The policy advisory board on teacher and administrator certification shall hold regular meetings not less than ten (10) per year. The board shall hold additional special meetings as it deems necessary. Special meetings may be called by the commissioners of the department of elementary and secondary education, or by the request for a meeting of at least four (4) members. The presence of a majority of members shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business. All meetings of the board shall be open and public, except that the board may call an executive session as provided for in chapter 46 of title 42.
(b)
The department of elementary and secondary education shall provide all necessary staff and logistical support to the board to enable the board to carry out its function.
(c)
The provisions of chapter 46 of title 42 shall apply to all meetings of this board.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 188, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.4 - Rhode Island Certification Standards Board [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11.4-4. - Policy advisory board on teacher and administrative certification — General powers and duties.

§ 16-11.4-4. Policy advisory board on teacher and administrative certification — General powers and duties.
The advisory board shall:
(1)
Recommend to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and to the council on elementary and secondary education standards for obtaining and maintaining a certificate of qualifications;
(2)
Recommend to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and to the council on elementary and secondary education standards for the revocation or suspension of a certificate of qualifications and the standards for the reinstatement of a suspended or revoked certificate of qualifications;
(3)
Recommend to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and to the council on elementary and secondary education the adoption or revision of rules and regulations consistent with law as may be necessary to regulate teacher and administrator certification pursuant to chapter 11 of this title;
(4)
Recommend to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, commissioner of postsecondary education and to the councils on elementary and secondary education and postsecondary education standards for teacher and administrator preparation programs in this state and standards for the evaluation of teacher and administrator preparation programs in this state. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education and the commissioner of postsecondary education shall provide a report to the presidents of the university of Rhode Island and Rhode Island college, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives that outlines the recommendations of the advisory board and what, if any, action was taken by October 31, 2017.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 275, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 292, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-11.4 - Rhode Island Certification Standards Board [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-11.4-5. - Conformance with the Administrative Procedures Act.

§ 16-11.4-5. Conformance with the Administrative Procedures Act.
Pursuant to § 16-60-10, the board of regents of elementary and secondary education shall conform to the rulemaking requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42, in implementing this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 188, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-1. - “Teacher” defined.

§ 16-12-1. “Teacher” defined.
The term “teacher,” as used in this chapter, is deemed to include every person employed as a teacher, supervisor, principal, or superintendent or assistant superintendent, of schools, whether employed in schools supported in whole or in part by public funds, or in colleges, or in public institutions, or in the department of elementary and secondary education.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 180, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 16-12-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-2. - Employment of school committee member as teacher.

§ 16-12-2. Employment of school committee member as teacher.
No member of the school committee of any town shall, so long as he or she continues in office as member of the school committee, be eligible or employed to teach as principal, supervisor, or assistant in any school supported entirely or in part by public money, or to serve as superintendent of schools, within the town in which the member of the school committee resides.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 61, § 6; P.L. 1899, ch. 620, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 68, § 7; P.L. 1916, ch. 1377, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 71, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 180, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 16-12-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-3. - Duty to cultivate principles of morality.

§ 16-12-3. Duty to cultivate principles of morality.
Every teacher shall aim to implant and cultivate in the minds of all children committed to his or her care the principles of morality and virtue.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 61, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 68, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 71, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 180, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 16-12-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-3.1. - Period of silent meditation.

§ 16-12-3.1. Period of silent meditation.
At the opening of every school day in all grades in all public schools the teacher in charge of the room in which each class is held shall announce that a period of silence not to exceed one minute in duration shall be observed for meditation, and during this period silence shall be maintained and no activities engaged in.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 84, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-4. - Register of pupils — Reports required by school authorities.

§ 16-12-4. Register of pupils — Reports required by school authorities.
(a)
Every teacher in any public or private school shall keep a register of the names of all the students attending the school, their sex and age, names of parents or guardians, the time when each student enters and leaves the school, and their daily attendance, and shall prepare any report required by the school committee or department of elementary and secondary education.
(b)
The school committee may establish an alternative method of keeping the register provided that all required information is furnished to the department of elementary and secondary education.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 61, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 68, § 6; P.L. 1922, ch. 2234, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 71, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 180, § 6; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-12-4; P.L. 1976, ch. 150, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-5. - Minimum salary.

§ 16-12-5. Minimum salary.
The annual salary of any teacher employed on a full time basis in any public school shall not be less than twelve hundred dollars ($1,200).
History of Section.
P.L. 1909, ch. 458, § 1; P.L. 1922, ch. 2234, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 71, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 180, § 13; P.L. 1945, ch. 1607, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-12-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-6. - Dismissal of teachers.

§ 16-12-6. Dismissal of teachers.
The school committee of any town may, on reasonable notice and hearing, dismiss any teacher for refusal to conform to the regulations made by the committee, or for other just cause.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 61, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 68, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 71, § 5; P.L. 1938, ch. 2641, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 180, § 5; P.L. 1941, ch. 1033, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-12-6; P.L. 2009, ch. 316, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 317, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-6.1. - Special rules as to Cumberland.

§ 16-12-6.1. Special rules as to Cumberland.
The school committee of the town of Cumberland in electing teachers shall elect to serve at its discretion all teachers who have served in the schools under its direction for the previous three (3) consecutive school years; provided, that the school committee of the town of Cumberland may elect to serve at its discretion any person who has served more than one previous consecutive year. The school committee of the town of Cumberland may dismiss a teacher within the year of employment in the instance of teachers not employed at discretion, and at any time in the instance of teachers employed at discretion by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the whole school committee for cause, which may be a violation of law, flagrant or persistent violation of the rules and regulations legally prescribed by the school committee, inefficiency, incapacity, insubordination, conduct unbecoming a teacher, or other just cause; provided, that no teacher shall be dismissed unless he or she has received a written copy of the charge or charges against him or her not less than thirty (30) days before the meeting at which the charge or charges are to be considered, and unless the teacher if he or she so requests it has been given a hearing before the school committee, and unless the charge or charges has or have been admitted or substantiated; and provided, further, that nothing in this section shall prevent the retirement of any teacher under a rule of the school committee affecting marriage or for the purpose of chapter 15 of this title; or the retirement at the end of any school year of any teacher whose services may no longer be required by reason of the closing of schools or the discontinuance of classes; and provided, further, that the school committee of the town of Cumberland may suspend any teacher for cause pending a hearing, but that suspension shall not involve loss of salary unless the cause is sufficient to justify dismissal as provided in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 316, § 2; P.L. 2009, ch. 317, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 257, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 364, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-7. - Maximum school year in state schools.

§ 16-12-7. Maximum school year in state schools.
(a)
No teacher as defined in this section shall be required to teach classes in any of the state institutions named in this section for a maximum of more than one hundred and ninety (190) days in any one school year.
(b)
The term “teacher” as used in this section is deemed to mean every person for whose position a certificate issued by the department of elementary and secondary education is required by law, and who is, or may be, employed by the state in a teaching capacity in any of the various correctional, medical, educational, mental, and any other types of similar public institutions owned and operated by this state.
History of Section.
R.P.L. 1957, ch. 157, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-8. - Extension of general laws to include certified teachers in state schools.

§ 16-12-8. Extension of general laws to include certified teachers in state schools.
(a)
The general laws which apply to certified teachers in the cities and towns shall apply equally to certified teachers in state schools.
(b)
The provisions of § 16-60-7.2 shall also apply equally to certified teachers in state schools.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 99, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 503, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-9. - Residency within municipality not required.

§ 16-12-9. Residency within municipality not required.
Notwithstanding any prior ratification and validation by the general assembly of any home rule charter provision requiring that a public school department employee reside within the employing city or town, effective September 1, 2001, no home rule charter provision shall require that a public school department employee reside within the city or town as a condition of appointment or continued employment. Any prior ratification and validation by the general assembly of a home rule charter provision requiring residency within a city or town as a condition for employment of a public school department employee is expressly repealed by the general assembly. Nor shall any town or city council make or ordain any ordinance requiring that a public school department employee reside within the employing city or town as a condition of appointment or continued employment. Any existing ordinance requiring that a public school department employee reside within the employing city or town as a condition of appointment or continued employment is considered contrary to the laws of this state and is thus void as violative of state law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 204, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 146, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 121, § 3; P.L. 2000, ch. 55, art. 20, § 5; P.L. 2005, ch. 299, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 310, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-10. - Immunity for reports of suspected substance abuse.

§ 16-12-10. Immunity for reports of suspected substance abuse.
Any teacher, school administrator, school guidance counselor, school psychologist, school drug counselor, school nurse, supervisor of attendance, attendance teacher, or attendance officer having reasonable cause to suspect that an elementary or secondary school student is abusing a controlled substance or alcohol, or is under the influence of a dangerous drug or alcohol, or has in his or her possession a controlled substance or alcohol, who reports this information to the appropriate elementary or secondary school officials pursuant to the school’s drug policy, or if the school has no drug policy to the school’s principal or the parents of the student under eighteen (18) years of age, or to a police agency, shall have immunity from any civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of the making of the report.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 323, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 317, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12 - Rights and Duties of Teachers Generally › Section 16-12-11. - Educator evaluations.

§ 16-12-11. Educator evaluations.
(a)
Any board of education-approved educator evaluation system for tenured teachers shall include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
(1)
Any teacher who obtains or earns a rating of “highly effective,” or a number “4,” or any equivalent thereof shall, subsequent to such evaluation, be evaluated not more than once every three (3) years thereafter.
(2)
Any teacher who obtains or earns a rating of “effective,” or a number “3,” or any equivalent thereof shall, subsequent to such evaluation, be evaluated not more than once every two (2) years thereafter.
(3)
An annual conference shall be required for any “highly effective” or “effective” teacher included in subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) herein. Said conference shall be in accordance with a process and scope determined by each school district’s educator evaluation committee.
(b)
The provisions of this section shall not prohibit annual evaluations in circumstances including, but not limited to:
(1)
Any teacher who may request an annual evaluation; or
(2)
Any teacher during his or her first year teaching under a new teaching certificate.
(c)
Any non-tenured teacher shall be evaluated annually.
(d)
Notwithstanding the provisions contained in subsection (a), principals may observe a teacher’s classroom and classroom instruction at any time.
(e)
Notwithstanding the provisions contained in subsection (a), nothing herein shall preclude more frequent educator evaluations if they are included in a local school district’s negotiated collective bargaining agreement entered into after July 1, 2014.
(f)
Notwithstanding the provisions contained in subsection (a), any concerns about a teacher’s performance that arise at anytime shall be handled in accordance with local school district personnel policies and negotiated collective bargaining agreements.
(g)
Any regulations of the department of education providing for the evaluation of teachers shall be modified to conform with the provisions and schedule set forth herein; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to direct the department of education to act so as to jeopardize any current funding from a race to the top grant received by the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 470, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12.1 - School Administrators’ Rights › Section 16-12.1-1. - Legislative purpose.

§ 16-12.1-1. Legislative purpose.
The general assembly recognizes that administrators are not members of teacher collective bargaining units and, therefore, are not protected by the terms of teacher bargaining agreements. While clearly intending neither to interfere with the discretion of school committees to choose those who shall administer local schools nor to grant tenure to school administrators, the general assembly deems it necessary to the orderly and effective functioning of public education to inform school administrators of the bases or reasons for their suspension, dismissal, or nonrenewal of their employment relationship, and to afford administrators an opportunity to be heard before the school committee. Full disclosure of the bases or reasons for suspension, dismissal, or nonrenewal and the hearing which may follow, while providing administrators and school committees a meaningful hedge against mistaken or impermissible actions as well as an opportunity to question and confront those individuals whose judgment or allegations furnish the basis for the actions taken, are ultimately intended to erase harmful innuendo from any suspension, dismissal, or nonrenewal of an administrator.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 372, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 291, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12.1 - School Administrators’ Rights › Section 16-12.1-2. - “Administrator” defined.

§ 16-12.1-2. “Administrator” defined.
The term “administrator” as used in this chapter applies only to full time, certified professionals having the authority in the interest of a local or regional school district or school within a district to direct, supervise, advise, or manage; provided, however, the term “administrator” does not include superintendents of schools or assistant superintendents of schools. An “administrator” within a teacher bargaining unit, protected by the terms of a regional or local school committee teacher collective bargaining agreement, shall not be protected by the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 372, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12.1 - School Administrators’ Rights › Section 16-12.1-2.1. - Termination of administrator.

§ 16-12.1-2.1. Termination of administrator.
An administrator shall only be terminated for just cause including but not limited to declining enrollment or consolidation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 291, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12.1 - School Administrators’ Rights › Section 16-12.1-3. - Notice required — Hearing.

§ 16-12.1-3. Notice required — Hearing.
Prior to taking final action dismissing or not renewing the employment of an administrator, and subsequent to suspending the employment of an administrator, a regional or local school committee shall provide the affected administrator with: (1) a concise, clear, written statement, privately communicated, of the bases or reasons for the suspension, dismissal, or nonrenewal, and (2) notification of the right of the administrator to a prompt hearing, which shall be at the election of the administrator, and the right to be represented by counsel at the hearing. Upon the request of a hearing by the administrator, prompt notification stating the time and place of the hearing shall be given. The time and place set for the hearing shall allow sufficient opportunity to the administrator for preparation without undue delay.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 372, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12.1 - School Administrators’ Rights › Section 16-12.1-4. - Conduct of hearing.

§ 16-12.1-4. Conduct of hearing.
The hearing shall be held before a quorum of the school committee. The administrator shall have the opportunity to present and cross-examine witnesses. Testimony shall be taken under oath and a full stenographic record shall be kept.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 372, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12.1 - School Administrators’ Rights › Section 16-12.1-5. - Decision.

§ 16-12.1-5. Decision.
Within a reasonable time, not to exceed thirty (30) days, after the conclusion of the hearing, the school committee shall render a concise, clear, written decision. The findings and conclusions in the decision shall be based exclusively on evidence received at the hearing or on reasonable inferences drawn from the evidence. A copy of the decision shall be promptly supplied to the administrator.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 372, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-12.1 - School Administrators’ Rights › Section 16-12.1-6. - Appeals.

§ 16-12.1-6. Appeals.
An administrator aggrieved by a final decision of a school committee may obtain review under the provisions of chapter 39 of this title by petitioning the commissioner of elementary and secondary education within ten (10) days of receipt of the decision. When an appeal is taken, the school board shall forward a copy of the complete record of the case to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 372, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-13 - Teachers’ Tenure › Section 16-13-1. - “Teacher” defined.

§ 16-13-1. “Teacher” defined.
The term “teacher” as used in this chapter means every person for whose position a certificate issued by the department of elementary and secondary education is required by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1775, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-13-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-13 - Teachers’ Tenure › Section 16-13-2. - Annual contract basis — Automatic continuation.

§ 16-13-2. Annual contract basis — Automatic continuation.
(a)
Teaching service shall be on the basis of an annual contract, except as hereinafter provided, and the contract shall be deemed to be continuous unless the governing body of the schools shall notify the teacher, in writing, on or before March 1, that the contract for the ensuing year will not be renewed. If the dismissal or nonrenewal is based on fiscal exigency or program reorganization, the governing body shall notify the teacher on or before June 1 of the school year immediately preceding the school year in which the dismissal or nonrenewal is to become effective. Provided, however, that a teacher, upon request, shall be furnished a statement of cause for dismissal or nonrenewal of his or her contract by the school committee; provided further, that whenever any contract is not renewed, or the teacher is dismissed, the teacher shall be entitled to a hearing and appeal pursuant to the procedure set forth in § 16-13-4.
(b)
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit, or at any time to have prohibited, a school committee from agreeing, in a collective bargaining agreement, to the arbitration of disputes arising out of a dismissal or nonrenewal of a nontenured teacher pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1775, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 16-13-2; P.L. 1970, ch. 222, § 1; 1995, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 335, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-13 - Teachers’ Tenure › Section 16-13-4. - Statement of cause for dismissal — Hearing — Appeals — Arbitration.

§ 16-13-4. Statement of cause for dismissal — Hearing — Appeals — Arbitration.
(a)
The statement of cause for dismissal shall be given to the teacher, in writing, by the governing body of the schools. The teacher may, within fifteen (15) days of the notification, request, in writing, a hearing before the school committee or school board. The hearing shall be public or private, in the discretion of the teacher. Both teacher and school board shall be entitled to be represented by counsel and to present witnesses. The board shall keep a complete record of the hearing and shall furnish the teacher with a copy. Any teacher aggrieved by the decision of the school board shall have the right of appeal to the department of elementary and secondary education and shall have the right of further appeal to the superior court. Any decisions rendered must be approved by a majority of the full board. Members voting on a decision must have been in attendance at the hearing.
(b)
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit, or at any time to have prohibited, a school committee in a municipality or regional school district with an elected school committee, or the chief executive officer in a municipality with an appointed school committee from agreeing, in a collective bargaining agreement, to the arbitration of disputes arising out of the nonrenewal, dismissal, and/or suspension of a teacher pursuant to §§ 16-13-2, 16-13-3, and/or 16-13-5.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1775, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 16-13-4; P.L. 1965, ch. 20, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 265, § 5; P.L. 2014, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 335, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 93, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 131, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-13 - Teachers’ Tenure › Section 16-13-5. - Suspension for cause — Payment for period suspended.

§ 16-13-5. Suspension for cause — Payment for period suspended.
(a)
Section 16-13-4 shall not prevent the suspension of a teacher for good and just cause. Prior to the suspension of a teacher as provided in this section, the school committee shall hold a pre-suspension hearing to determine if a suspension is warranted, and at the pre-suspension hearing, shall consider any available evidence and afford the teacher or his or her counsel an opportunity to respond to that evidence. In the event a teacher is suspended or otherwise not permitted to perform his or her duties prior to the presuspension hearing, then the teacher shall be paid his or her regular salary during that period.
(b)
Whenever a teacher is suspended by a school committee, the school committee shall furnish the teacher with a complete statement of the cause(s) of the suspension and, upon request, shall afford the teacher a hearing and appeal pursuant to the procedure set forth in § 16-13-4. If the teacher shall be vindicated as a result of the hearing or any appeal the teacher shall be paid in full for the period of suspension, and provided further, that during the period of suspension, all medical and insurance benefits shall remain in full force and effect.
(c)
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit or at any time to have prohibited a school committee in a municipality or regional school district with an elected school committee, or the chief executive officer in a municipality with an appointed school committee, from agreeing, in a collective bargaining agreement, to the arbitration of disputes arising out of the suspension of a teacher pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1775, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 16-3-5; P.L. 1986, ch. 94, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 265, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-13 - Teachers’ Tenure › Section 16-13-6. - Suspension because of decrease in school population — Seniority — Reinstatement.

§ 16-13-6. Suspension because of decrease in school population — Seniority — Reinstatement.
(a)
A school board may, by reason of a substantial decrease of pupil population within its school system, suspend teachers in numbers necessitated by the decrease in pupil population; provided, however, that suspension of teachers shall be in the inverse order of their employment unless it is necessary to retain certain teachers of technical subjects whose places cannot be filled by teachers of earlier appointment; and, provided further, that teachers who are suspended shall be reinstated in the inverse order of their suspension. No new appointments shall be made while there are available teachers so suspended.
(b)
Notice of suspension under this section and § 16-13-5 shall be given, in writing, by the governing body of schools on or before June 1 notifying the teacher that his or her employment for the ensuing year shall be suspended, provided however, notice by that date need not be provided in the instance of an emergency performance-related cause.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1775, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 16-13-6; P.L. 1992, ch. 170, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 335, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-13 - Teachers’ Tenure › Section 16-13-7. - Continuity unimpaired by military service.

§ 16-13-7. Continuity unimpaired by military service.
Absence from teaching because of serving one’s country shall not impair the continuing service status.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1775, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 16-13-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-13 - Teachers’ Tenure › Section 16-13-8. - Continuity of tenure upon transfer.

§ 16-13-8. Continuity of tenure upon transfer.
Any teacher in continuing service who voluntarily resigns and transfers to another community in Rhode Island without interrupting his or her professional career, shall be considered to remain under tenure unless the teacher is notified to the contrary, in writing, prior to March 1 of the second school year in which the teacher transfers. If the dismissal or nonrenewal is based on fiscal exigency or program reorganization, the teacher shall be notified, in writing, prior to June 1 of the second (2nd) school year in which the teacher transfers.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 16-13-8; P.L. 1964, ch. 139, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 278, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 335, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-13 - Teachers’ Tenure › Section 16-13-9. - Termination for cause — List maintained.

§ 16-13-9. Termination for cause — List maintained.
(a)
Whenever a tenured teacher is terminated for good and just cause pursuant to § 16-13-3 by a school committee or the governing body of a charter or private school, the school committee or the governing body of the charter or private school shall, within sixty (60) days of the termination or in cases where the termination is appealed, within sixty (60) days after the conclusion of the appeal filed by the terminated tenured teacher when the termination is upheld, furnish the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education with the identity of the terminated teacher. Provided, this section shall not apply to:
(1)
The nonrenewal of a contract of a nontenured teacher pursuant to § 16-13-2; or
(2)
The termination of a tenured teacher due to fiscal exigency or program reorganization.
(b)
The department shall maintain a list of those teachers who have been terminated for good and just cause (the “list”) and shall update the list monthly to include the names of any additional teachers submitted by a school committee or the governing body of a charter or private school pursuant to the provisions of this section. This list of terminated teachers shall be accessible only to the hiring authority of any private, parochial, charter, or public school.
(c)
The list of terminated teachers shall not be a public record pursuant to the “access to public records act” (APRA) set forth in chapter 2 of title 38. This section shall not abrogate or modify any existing statutory or common law privileges or immunities.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 418, § 1, effective June 30, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 419, § 1, effective June 30, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-14 - Education of Teachers [Repealed.] › Section 16-14-1 - — 16-14-6. Repealed.

§ 16-14-1 — 16-14-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 63, §§ 9, 17, and 18; P.L. 1912, ch. 839, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 84, §§ 8-10; G.L. 1923, ch. 65, § 18; P.L. 1932, ch. 1950, § 1; P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 149; G.L. 1923, ch. 84, §§ 14-16; P.L. 1938, ch. 2575, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 176, §§ 8-11, 15-17; G.L. 1938, ch. 176, § 18; P.L. 1943, ch. 1354, § 1; P.L. 1952, ch. 3040, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3368, § 3; G.L. 1956, §§ 16-14-1 — 16-14-6; P.L. 1957, ch. 69, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1977, ch. 238, § 6; P.L. 1980, ch. 395, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-15 - Teachers’ Pensions › Section 16-15-1 - — 16-15-12. Repealed.

§ 16-15-1 — 16-15-12. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1907, ch. 1468, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 69, §§ 1, 2, 4, 5; P.L. 1909, ch. 401, § 1; P.L. 1914, ch. 1090, § 1; P.L. 1915, ch. 1213, § 1; P.L. 1917, ch. 1500, § 1; P.L. 1921, ch. 2053, § 1; P.L. 1921, ch. 2054, § 1; P.L. 1921, ch. 2182, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 72, §§ 1 through 6; P.L. 1926, ch. 776, § 1; P.L. 1931, ch. 1707, § 1; P.L. 1937, ch. 2507, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 195, §§ 1 through 7; P.L. 1939, ch. 693, § 1; P.L. 1946, ch. 1717, §§ 1, 2; P.L. 1948, ch. 2101, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1948, ch. 2102, § 4; P.L. 1948, ch. 2129, § 1; P.L. 1948, ch. 2130, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; P.L. 1952, ch. 3000, §§ 1, 3; P.L. 1955, ch. 3462, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1956, §§ 16-15-1 through 16-15-12; P.L. 1958, ch. 208, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1959, ch. 44; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 47; P.L. 1989, ch. 403, § 3; Repealed by P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. II, § 1, effective January 1, 1993.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-15 - Teachers’ Pensions › Section 16-15-13. - Additional pension and retirement grants — Declaration of policy.

§ 16-15-13. Additional pension and retirement grants — Declaration of policy.
The state pension systems for teachers of public education have proved to be inadequate to meet the special needs of retirement during this period of sharply increasing costs of living. A completely adequate retirement system for teachers is an essential responsibility of the state in providing sound public education. Therefore, §§ 16-15-13 to 16-15-15 are designed to provide additional state aid for retired teachers in order to make the teaching profession more attractive to qualified teachers and to provide for the security and welfare of education in the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 124, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-15 - Teachers’ Pensions › Section 16-15-14. - Annual grant for teachers retiring after July 1, 1949.

§ 16-15-14. Annual grant for teachers retiring after July 1, 1949.
(a)
The general assembly shall annually appropriate a sum sufficient to pay an additional annual retirement grant of four hundred dollars ($400) per year for a payment of a pension of not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) annually to every retired teacher who qualified for either a pension or retirement benefits under the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
It shall also annually appropriate a sum sufficient to pay an additional pension grant which when added to the existing pension will provide a maximum annual pension of two thousand dollars ($2,000) to any retired teacher on an ordinary disability pension who has twenty (20) or more years of teaching service credit in the retirement system and to any retired teacher under the maximum plan who has twenty (20) or more years of teaching service credit in the retirement system who retired after July 1, 1949, and whose present annual pension under the provisions of chapter 16 of this title is less than two thousand dollars ($2,000).
(c)
This grant shall be an annual state grant and shall be in addition to any and all amounts being paid from any state pension or retirement system and in addition to any payments from a retirement or pension system of any city or town.
(d)
All money appropriated in accordance with the amended provisions of this chapter for the retired teachers shall be administered by the department of elementary and secondary education, and all money appropriated in accordance with the amended provisions of chapter 16 of this title for the retired teachers shall be administered by the retirement division in the department of treasury.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 124, § 2; P.L. 1966, ch. 274, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-15 - Teachers’ Pensions › Section 16-15-14.1. - Additional retirement grants for state college and school teachers — Payment.

§ 16-15-14.1. Additional retirement grants for state college and school teachers — Payment.
(a)
The general assembly shall also annually appropriate a sum sufficient to pay an additional retirement grant which when added to the existing pension will provide for the payment of a pension of not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) annually to every retired teacher who qualified for and is receiving retirement benefits for teaching at Rhode Island College, the University of Rhode Island, or other state schools whose present annual pension is less than two thousand dollars ($2,000). This additional grant shall be an annual state grant and shall be in addition to any and all amounts being paid from the state pension or retirement system and shall be administered by the retirement division in the department of treasury.
(b)
These grants shall be apportioned into monthly benefits and shall be disbursed monthly.
History of Section.
P.L. 1966, ch. 274, § 3.