Amends the composition of school bus districts within the state to provide transportation to students in grades kindergarten through 12.
Impact
The adjustments in the composition of school bus districts are expected to have significant effects on state transportation laws relating to school pupils. This reform is likely to streamline operations and potentially lead to cost savings for school districts as they adapt to the new configuration. The bill also proposes a framework for how existing arrangements would transition into the updated system, ensuring that students currently under the old districts can continue their transportation arrangements until July 1, 2029.
Summary
House Bill 6236 proposes to amend the current structure of school bus districts across Rhode Island, increasing the number of districts from five to nine. The intention behind this change is to enhance efficiency in transporting students in grades kindergarten through 12 and those in special education programs. By expanding the number of districts, the bill aims to reduce the travel time for students and improve the overall utilization of transportation resources, aligning with public safety, health, and welfare considerations.
Contention
While the bill has the support of various stakeholders aiming for a more efficient educational transport system, some points of contention may arise related to the transition process. Concerns could include the impact on local autonomy as districts adapt to this broader regulatory framework and the adequacy of resources allocated for the implementation of the new districts. Moreover, there may be debates around how these changes address the transportation needs of vulnerable groups such as homeless students and those in foster care, with provisions for subsidies specifically targeted at these students.
Provides for an appropriation by the general assembly in the amount of two million dollars ($2,000,000) to the various school districts and municipalities to employ additional social workers.
Provides for an appropriation by the general assembly in the amount of two million dollars ($2,000,000) to the various school districts and municipalities to employ additional social workers.
Amends chapter 80 of the public laws of 1965 with respect to the composition of the regional district school building committee, apportionment of construction and operating costs and amendments to the agreement.
Makes revisions to the number, timing, and procedures to be followed when schools grades K through 12 implement fire drills, evacuation drills, and crisis response drills, designed to protect the health and safety of students.
Establishes nonpublic school transportation program to provide funding to consortiums of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.
Establishes nonpublic school transportation program to provide funding to consortiums of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.
Establishes nonpublic school transportation program to provide funding to consortiums of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.
Establishes nonpublic school transportation program to provide funding to consortiums of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.
Alters date by which school districts notify parents of nonpublic school students of eligibility for bus transportation or aid in-lieu-of transportation payment from August 1 to July 15.