This bill amends existing laws regarding the minimum salary schedule for teachers and the tenure process, specifically for the Providence public school district. It allows the district to negotiate alternative salary schedules that may include bonuses for teachers who take on additional responsibilities.

Additionally, the bill outlines a new process for the dismissal and demotion of teachers in Providence, permitting principals to dismiss or demote teachers with the superintendent's approval, while ensuring that teachers with tenure are protected from dismissal without just cause.

The bill establishes criteria for suspending teachers due to a decrease in student population, ensuring that teachers with tenure are not laid off if there are less qualified teachers available. It also allows the Providence public school district to suspend teachers in numbers necessitated by a substantial decrease in pupil population, with specific provisions regarding the qualifications of teachers who may be laid off.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Providence school department adopt policies to enhance labor-management collaboration and site-based management. The city of Providence is required to increase its financial support for the school budget, aligning its annual contribution per student with either inflation or the overall increase of per student state aid to the Providence public schools.

Notably, the bill stipulates that the current order of reconstitution and control of the Providence public schools will terminate on June 30, 2026, contingent upon the district meeting specific expectations for improving student achievement and collaboration.

Statutes affected:
8560: 16-7-29