The bill amends Section 16-2-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-2, which pertains to the requirements for city and town schools regarding the school year, location, and kindergartens. The amendment introduces flexibility in the scheduling of the school year, allowing for a combination of longer and shorter school days to meet the educational needs. The key change is that school districts can now establish a school year equivalent to 180 days through varying school hours, as long as a minimum of 1,080 school hours is provided annually. The previous requirement of a minimum of six hours per school day has been removed, and the bill emphasizes the intent to permit school districts flexibility in delivering educational services while ensuring the annual provision of the required instructional hours.

Additionally, the bill allows for professional development and common planning time, acknowledging their importance in providing quality instruction and maintaining best practices. Districts are permitted to use early release days for these purposes, provided they still meet the yearly requirement of 1,080 school hours. The bill also mandates that school districts intending to use this new flexibility must submit a detailed school day plan and a proposed school calendar to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education for approval, which cannot be unreasonably denied. The act would take effect upon passage and clarifies that school districts can exceed the minimum days and hours if they choose to do so.

Statutes affected:
8103  SUB A: 16-2-2
8103: 16-2-2