The bill amends Section 16-77.4-1 of the General Laws regarding mayoral academies in Rhode Island. It defines a "mayoral academy" as a charter school established by a mayor or a nonprofit organization that serves students from multiple cities or towns, ensuring equal enrollment opportunities through a lottery system. The amendment specifies that the board of trustees or directors of a mayoral academy must consist solely of voting members who are mayors or town administrators from the cities or towns involved, while allowing for nonvoting advisory members from those areas.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that no child is mandated to attend a mayoral academy, nor are teachers required to work there. It mandates that local school committees accommodate students wishing to transfer to other public schools or to the mayoral academy, depending on space availability. If applications exceed available spots, a lottery will be conducted to determine admissions. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
888: 16-77.4-1