This bill amends Section 16-2-34 of the General Laws to authorize the city of Central Falls, through its home rule charter or city ordinance, to create a school board with all powers and duties necessary to govern the Central Falls School District. The existing seven-member board of trustees will be replaced by this new school board. The school board will be required to meet at least monthly, may serve without compensation as determined by local ordinance, and is responsible for maintaining communication with families, students, and educators. Its duties include appointing a superintendent, developing educational policies, leading a transparent public budget process, and regularly evaluating the performance of the superintendent.

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 allocation to this 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. The funding structure aims to share costs between the state and the city for education-related expenses, including transportation, facility maintenance, tuition payments for outplaced special education students, and tuition payments to other public schools.

The provisions related to the new school board will take effect on January 1, 2026, while the remaining sections of the act will take effect upon passage.

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