The bill amends Section 16-2-34 of the General Laws to replace the existing seven-member board of trustees of the Central Falls School District with a newly established school board, which the city can create through its home rule charter or city ordinance. This change eliminates oversight from the board of regents and the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, granting the new school board broad authority over policy-making and school operations. The school board is required to meet at least monthly and will focus on engaging with families, students, and educators. The bill also outlines the powers and duties of the school board, including the appointment of a superintendent, who will manage day-to-day operations, and ensures that teachers' rights to collective bargaining are preserved. Additionally, it deletes previous provisions related to the appointment of a special state administrator and advisory group.

The bill further amends Section 16-7.2-6 under "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," introducing new funding mechanisms for special education, career and technical education, and pre-kindergarten programs. It establishes a Central Falls, Davies, and Met Center Stabilization Fund to support these institutions financially, with allocations based on the difference between the total foundation amount and state formula aid, adjusted for inflation and student enrollment changes. The bill also details the sharing of education aid costs between the state and Central Falls, introduces a regionalization bonus for public school districts, and outlines requirements for school resource officers based on student enrollment. The effective date for the governance changes is set for January 1, 2026, while other provisions will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6255: 16-2-34, 16-7.2-6