The bill amends various sections of the General Laws concerning charter public schools in Rhode Island. It establishes a new legislative purpose and sets a cap of twenty-five charters. The bill imposes a moratorium on the approval of new district charter schools, independent charter schools, or mayoral academy charter schools for the 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029 school years. Specifically, the council on elementary and secondary education is prohibited from granting preliminary or final approval for the creation or expansion of any charter school to begin operation during these school years.

Additionally, the state is restricted from approving or appropriating funding for any new charter school or for the expansion of existing charter schools that have not received prior approval from the council on elementary and secondary education before July 1, 2025, for the fiscal years 2026-2027, 2027-2028, or 2028-2029.

The bill also outlines the procedures for creating district charter schools, including requirements for local support and necessary components such as governance, educational plans, and financial management. It mandates that charter public schools adhere to specific accountability measures and financial regulations, ensuring transparency and effectiveness. The bill emphasizes financial oversight by the auditor general for nonprofit organizations seeking to establish charter schools, reinforcing the commitment to accountability during the moratorium on the expansion of independent charter schools and mayoral academies.

Statutes affected:
2787: 16-77.2-2, 16-77.3-2, 16-77.4-2