The bill amends Section 16-3.1-11 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-3.1, which pertains to cooperative service among school districts, specifically focusing on the governance of the urban collaborative. The amendment introduces a new structure for the board of trustees that will govern the urban collaborative, reserving certain powers and duties for the commissioner of elementary and secondary education. The board will consist of five members, including the superintendent of the Providence school district (or a designee), the superintendent (or designee) of any other Rhode Island school district(s) approved for inclusion by existing member districts as per the urban collaborative’s bylaws, and additional members appointed by the council on elementary and secondary education with input from the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.

The bill also removes previous language that allowed school committees of certain cities and districts to initiate cooperative efforts for alternate education programs and diagnostic services. Instead, it authorizes the urban collaborative's board of trustees to continue or initiate such efforts. The urban collaborative will be funded according to specific provisions, with the state share of the permanent foundation education aid paid directly to it, and local school districts transferring the remaining funds needed. The urban collaborative will also be eligible to receive other aids, grants, Medicaid revenue, and any other revenue as if it were a school district. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7148: 16-3.1-11