The Paul W. Crowley Rhode Island Student Investment Initiative See Title 16 Chapter 97 -- The Rhode Island Board Of Education Act
One of the significant impacts of H7913 is its emphasis on restructuring the governance of failing schools. If a school does not improve after a three-year period of receiving support, the department of elementary and secondary education would gain control over the school's budget, program, and personnel. Furthermore, the local school committee would still be obligated to fund these schools at previous levels, adjusted for state aid increases. This legislative change aims to ensure adequate oversight and resources are available to improve educational outcomes.
House Bill H7913, titled 'The Paul W. Crowley Rhode Island Student Investment Initiative', aims to enhance educational support and intervention strategies for failing schools within Rhode Island. Introduced by Representative Jose F. Batista on March 7, 2022, the bill proposes that the board of regents council on elementary and secondary education adopt progressive strategies to assist schools that consistently fall short of performance goals as outlined in strategic plans. This includes providing technical assistance, policy support, resource oversight, and fostering partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations.
The bill has faced some contention regarding its provisions for mandatory employment of cultural coordinators in every middle school under state control due to performance failures. Critics express concerns that such mandates may lead to increased bureaucratic oversight and reduce local autonomy in educational decision-making. Additionally, the bill's funding sources for the cultural coordinators remain a point of discussion, as lawmakers debate the allocation of state resources towards this initiative, particularly in the context of broader budgetary constraints.