The bill amends Section 16-3.1-11 of the General Laws regarding the "Cooperative Service Among School Districts," specifically focusing on the urban collaborative in Providence. It establishes that the urban collaborative will be governed by a board of trustees, with each member district's school committee appointing one board member plus one additional member for every thirty students attending the urban collaborative from that district. The bill allows school committees to delegate responsibilities to the urban collaborative board for the conduct, administration, and management of the collaborative.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the Providence public schools cannot terminate their participation in the urban collaborative or withdraw students without the approval of the Providence school board during the state takeover of the Providence public schools. It also states that any decisions made prior to the effective date of this provision shall be null and void until approved by the Providence school board. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Providence public schools shall not reduce funding to the urban collaborative below the fiscal year 2025 level, increased by the same percentage as the state total of school aid is increased. The urban collaborative will be eligible to receive various aids, grants, and Medicaid revenue, ensuring it is treated similarly to a school district in terms of funding. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7271: 16-3.1-11