The bill amends Section 16-3.1-11 of the General Laws regarding the governance of the urban collaborative in Providence. It establishes that the urban collaborative will be governed by a board of trustees, which will consist of five members, including the superintendent of the Providence school district and superintendents from other approved Rhode Island school districts. The remaining members will be appointed by the council on elementary and secondary education with input from the commissioner of elementary and secondary education. The bill also clarifies that the board of trustees will have specific powers and duties, while certain responsibilities will remain with the commissioner.

Additionally, the bill deletes previous language that authorized school committees from various cities to initiate cooperative efforts for alternate education programs and diagnostic services. It outlines the funding structure for the urban collaborative, specifying that the state share of education aid will be paid directly to it, and local school districts will transfer the necessary funds to support the collaborative. The urban collaborative will also be eligible for various forms of revenue as if it were a school district. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5336: 16-3.1-11