§ 16-77-8 - Oversight by commissioner. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 16-77-8

   § 16-77-8  Oversight by commissioner.– (a) Individuals or groups may complain to a charter school's governing bodyconcerning any claimed violation of the provisions of this chapter by theschool. If, after presenting their complaint to the governing body, theindividuals or groups believe their complaint has not been adequatelyaddressed, they may submit their complaint to the commissioner of elementaryand secondary education who shall hear and decide the issue pursuant to§§ 16-39-1 and 16-39-2.

   (b) Charter school approval for establishment or continuationshall be for up to a five (5) year period. In either case, board of regentsapproval is required. However, the charter may be revoked at any time if theschool:

   (1) Materially violates provisions contained in the charter;

   (2) Fails to meet or pursue the educational objectivescontained in the charter;

   (3) Fails to comply with fiscal accountability procedures asspecified in the charter; or

   (4) Violates provisions of law that have not been grantedvariance by the board of regents.

   (c) After denying or prior to nonrenewing or revoking acharter, the department of elementary and secondary education will hold ahearing on the issues in controversy under § 16-39-1.

   (d) No more than twenty (20) charters, serving no more thanfour percent (4%) of the state's school age population, shall be granted. Atleast ten (10) of the twenty (20) total charters shall be reserved for charterschool applications which are designed to increase the educationalopportunities for at-risk pupils.