Rhode Island Senate Bill S0937

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Report Pass: 6/10/25
• Engrossed: 6/12/25
• Enrolled: 6/18/25
• Passed: 6/26/25

Caption

Requires that the basic education program data collection information for students that attend career and technical education schools be charged to the receiving school district and not the sending school district.

Impact

If enacted, S0937 would significantly shift how fiscal responsibilities related to student data are assigned between districts. The expectation is that having the receiving district handle these responsibilities will foster better coordination and focus on the outcomes achieved in CTE programs. By placing the burden on the district with direct oversight of student education, proponents argue that the bill will enable improved tracking of student progress and facilitate better educational outcomes overall.

Summary

Bill S0937 seeks to amend the responsibilities around data collection for students attending career and technical education (CTE) programs in Rhode Island. The main thrust of the bill is to charge the receiving school district, where a student is enrolled, with the responsibility of data collection and reporting, rather than the sending school district from which the student comes. This change is designed to streamline data management for students engaged in CTE programs and is part of the state's broader effort to enhance vocational training alongside traditional educational paths.

Contention

While the bill has widespread support centered on improving vocational education in the state, there are points of contention that are anticipated. The primary debate may revolve around how this new allocation of responsibility affects local education budgets and the equity of resources shared among school districts. Sending districts may raise concerns about potential financial burdens due to the loss of data management responsibilities which could impact how funds are allocated within their jurisdictions.

Additional points

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the CTE board of trustees and the workforce development sectors, positioning CTE programs as essential for meeting the economic needs of Rhode Island. Legislators predict that clearer paths for student enrollment in CTE programs, especially for those from districts lacking similar offerings, will promote higher enrollment rates and better job readiness upon high school graduation.