The bill amends Section 16-2-34 of the General Laws to replace the existing seven-member board of trustees for the Central Falls School District with a new school board established by the city through its home rule charter or city ordinance. This new governance structure grants the school board broad policy-making authority and mandates that the school board meet at least monthly, with a focus on community engagement with families, students, and educators. The superintendent will be appointed by the school board and will be responsible for managing the district and developing educational policies, with the school board also involved in the budget development process.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 16-7.2-6 to establish a Central Falls Stabilization Fund to support the district's educational needs. The total amount allocated to the stabilization fund will be calculated as the difference between the total foundation amount and state formula aid, plus funding for costs outside the permanent foundation education-aid formula. This funding structure aims to share education-related costs, such as transportation, facility maintenance, tuition payments for outplaced special education students, and tuition payments to other public schools, between the state and the city of Central Falls.

The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, while other provisions will be effective upon passage, allowing for a structured transition to the new governance framework.

Statutes affected:
1063: 16-2-34, 16-7.2-6