Education

Bars the council from granting approval to create or expand a charter school beginning operations in 26-27 school year and bars the state from approving or appropriating funds to a new charter school not approved before July 1, 2025.

This bill establishes rules for the governance of mayoral academies in Rhode Island, which are charter schools serving students from multiple cities and towns. It requires that only a mayor or town administrator from each participating community can serve as a voting member on the school's board of directors or trustees. The legislation also allows for nonvoting advisory members from each included town and mandates that student admission be determined by lottery when enrollment exceeds available spaces. Additionally, the bill ensures that no student or teacher is required to participate in these academies and that school districts must facilitate transfers for those who opt out.

Requires all schools and educational institutions to develop and implement a school safety plan that would provide for immediate access to school facilities by first responders in an emergency.

Establishes provisions for student and teacher classroom safety and provides the authority to remove students from classrooms. This act provides for student and educator protections from said removals.