2019 -- S 0654

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LC000555

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- PRIVATE SCHOOLS [SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97--

RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT]

     Introduced By: Senators Metts, Gallo, Lawson, Satchell, and Pearson

     Date Introduced: March 21, 2019

     Referred To: Senate Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 16-40-12 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-40 entitled "Private

Schools [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby

amended to read as follows:

     16-40-12. Schools instructing persons above compulsory school age.

     (a) All private schools offering instruction in any academic or vocational field to students

above the compulsory school age shall be registered at the department of elementary and

secondary education or the office of higher education the postsecondary commissioner, the

registry showing the name of the school, the location, the names of the officers or persons in

charge, the field or fields in which instruction is to be given, the rate of tuition to be charged, and

the training and experience of the teachers. These schools shall not operate until they have

received the approval of the board of regents for council on elementary and secondary education

or the board of governors for higher council on postsecondary education and shall continue to

operate only as long as the approval remains in force. These schools shall report annually to the

appropriate board council, in the month of July, on prescribed forms furnished by the department

or office, showing the number of different pupils enrolled, the fields of instruction covered, the

length of the course, the number of teachers employed, and any other facts that the board may

require.

     (b) A proposed school seeking approval to operate by the council on postsecondary

education pursuant to this chapter shall demonstrate financial stability, quality academic

programs that address projected workforce needs of the state, and shall comply with rules and

regulations promulgated by the council.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- PRIVATE SCHOOLS [SEE TITLE 16 CHAPTER 97--

RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT]

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     This act would require a proposed private school to demonstrate financial stability,

quality academic programs that address workforce needs and would comply with the rules of the

council on elementary and secondary education or the council on postsecondary education.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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