The bill amends Section 16-77.4-1 of the General Laws regarding mayoral academies in Rhode Island. It specifies that a mayoral academy is a charter school established by a mayor or a nonprofit organization that serves students from multiple cities or towns. The bill introduces new provisions stating that the only voting members of the board of trustees or directors of a mayoral academy shall be the mayor or, if there is no mayor, the town administrator from each included city or town. Additionally, it allows for other nonvoting members from each included city or town to serve in an advisory capacity on the board.

The bill clarifies that no child is mandated to attend a mayoral academy, nor are teachers required to work there. It mandates that 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 system will be implemented to determine admissions. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
888: 16-77.4-1