Bill > S0861

This bill allows the Rhode Island education commissioner, when authorized by the board of regents, to designate a receiver for the Providence public school district with comprehensive powers to address chronic underperformance. The receiver, who can be a nonprofit entity or an individual with a proven track record of improving low-performing schools, will have full managerial and operational control over the district while remaining subject to public records and ethics regulations. The receiver will work jointly with the commissioner to create a turnaround plan that includes specific goals for improving academic achievement, which may involve expanding curriculum, reallocating budgets, modifying collective bargaining agreements, extending school hours, requiring staff to reapply for positions, and implementing professional development strategies. The plan will be developed with input from a local stakeholder group and will focus on addressing achievement gaps, student needs, and district-wide performance metrics. The receivership is initially authorized for up to three years, with annual evaluations to assess progress, and the potential for plan modification or renewal if sufficient improvement is not achieved. The bill aims to provide a comprehensive intervention mechanism for chronically underperforming school districts, with a specific focus on the Providence public school district.

Education

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