Provides that no new network charter school application shall be granted.
Impact
The direct consequences of H6034 would likely be felt in the broader educational landscape across Rhode Island. By restricting the creation of new network charter schools, the bill aims to maintain a level of stability within public education while addressing concerns regarding accountability and performance standards that network charters face. Advocates of the bill argue that this approach could safeguard resources for traditional public schools and direct them towards improving educational outcomes for students identified as at-risk. However, some opponents may view this legislation as limiting educational choice and innovation, which they believe could hinder the potential for diverse educational opportunities for students.
Summary
House Bill 6034 proposes significant changes to the establishment of charter public schools in Rhode Island by prohibiting the granting of new applications for charter schools identified as network charter schools. The bill, introduced by Representatives Messier, Alzate, Fogarty, Kislak, Donovan, Shallcross Smith, and Ajello, specifies that while existing charter schools can continue to operate, no new network charter schools may be established, effectively capping the total number of charter schools in the state at thirty-five. This provision highlights a deliberate policy shift towards limiting the expansion of a specific type of charter school that is often debated regarding its impact on local education systems.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding H6034 include debates over educational equity and the rights of parents and students to choose their educational paths. Proponents emphasize that network charter schools can sometimes lead to increased segregation in education by attracting specific demographics and resources away from traditional schools. Critics of the bill, particularly from the charter school advocacy community, may argue that by stifling new charters, the legislature is overlooking potential successes that these schools can bring to underperforming districts. The discussion is bound to incite differing views on the balance between regulatory measures and educational freedom within the state.
Allows charter schools to engage in nontraditional approaches to learning, permits local communities to adopt all-charter school public school model for public education.
Establishes thermal energy networks network infrastructure by any public utility company that provides electric/natural gas distribution to maximize cost-effective investments deemed in the public interest by the public utilities commission (PUC).
Amends the local share of education funding to be paid to charter public schools based on a comparison of performance data between the specific school from which the student is coming and the specific charter school that will be receiving the student.
Defines suitable person and establishes reasons for applying for carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process if application denied and provides that records are not public.
Establishes the "Attendance for Success Act" that mandates requirements for attendance policies, and provides for multiple plans, reporting requirements and supports to address student absenteeism from school.
Establishes a new program where the per pupil funding, calculated annually by RIDE, would be transferred into a newly created educational funding account run by the children's scholarship fund to pay for educational expenses.
Establishes "workplace readiness week". It requires all public high schools, including charter schools, to annually observe that week by providing information to students on their rights as workers and specifies the topics that must be covered.
Establishes "workplace readiness week". It requires all public high schools, including charter schools, to annually observe that week by providing information to students on their rights as workers and specifies the topics that must be covered.