Education (Career & Technical Education)

SB 2625 requires school districts sending students to regional vocational schools for career and technical education (CTE) or pathways programs to receive regular updates from the receiving district. It mandates quarterly reports on student status (or immediate updates for major changes like withdrawal) and adjusts cost-sharing: home districts pay only the actual cost of services provided by the receiving district (not their own higher per-pupil spending), and only the actual transportation cost to the vocational school. This directly affects all Rhode Island school districts participating in CTE or pathways programs outside a student’s home district. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, aiming to clarify financial responsibilities and improve communication between districts.

Directs the council on elementary and secondary education to develop recommendations for a high school curriculum to prepare students for successful postsecondary education and careers in computer science.

HB 7341 requires school districts that send students to regional vocational schools for career and technical education (CTE) or pathways programs to receive regular updates on student progress from the receiving district, starting July 1, 2026. It mandates quarterly reports or immediate updates for significant changes, such as a student leaving the program. The bill also adjusts costs: if the receiving district’s program costs less than the home district’s per-pupil spending, the home district only pays the lower cost, and transportation costs are limited to actual expenses. This applies to all students enrolled in approved CTE or pathways programs outside their home district.

SB 2169 allows students completing specific career and technical education (CTE) programs to take firefighter certification exams immediately upon program graduation. It directly affects students enrolled in qualifying CTE programs, providing a streamlined path to firefighter careers without requiring additional training. The bill creates a formal mechanism where participating CTE programs would certify students' readiness for the state firefighter exam. The bill was introduced to the Senate Labor and Gaming committee on January 16, 2026.

Provides the department of elementary and secondary education, in consultation with a workgroup composed of various stakeholders, develops a funding formula for school districts sending students to career and technical programs outside their district.