WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2787

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ESTABLISHMENT OF CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 8 co-sponsors

Rhode Island charter schools would face tighter oversight, with a phased pause on new/expanded charters until CESE approvals and state funding, emphasizing accountability and at-ri

06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2787

Summary of SB 2787 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a framework for charter public schools in Rhode Island, covering district charters, independent charters, and mayoral academies.
  • Aims to create high-performing public schools through chartering as an alternative within the public education system, emphasizing accountability for student achievement and school autonomy.
  • Sets a cap and allocation considerations: no more than 35 (the bill text shows 35 then 25 in parentheses) charter schools; at least half of charters should focus on expanding opportunities for at-risk students.
  • Prohibits use of public funds to create or expand charter schools without timely state approval (and prior appropriation) for fiscal years 2026-2027 through 2028-2029.

Key provisions and changes

1) Legislative purpose and safeguards (16-77-3.1)

  • Charter schools are public schools under state and federal law and must be nonsectarian and nonreligious.
  • Charters are intended as laboratories for innovation in curriculum, pedagogy, governance, and accountability.
  • Provides for measurable academic results and performance-based accountability.
  • The Department (Board of Regents) cannot approve for-profit involvement.
  • Rules can be promulgated to guide creation, operation, and potential rescission while protecting students’ education services if a charter is rescinded.
  • Financial record-keeping and auditing requirements apply.

2) Oversight and approvals (16-77-5.1)

  • Charter approvals (new or expansions) require approval by the council on elementary and secondary education (CESE).
  • Local support is required for network charters (district-wide or multiple schools) through resolutions or ordinances after public hearings.
  • Existing district charters, independent charters, and mayoral academies can be considered “network charter schools.”
  • If a proposed charter would involve districts that did not give written support, the charter may proceed if the catchment area is adjusted accordingly.
  • Grounds for revocation include charter violation, failure to meet objectives, fiscal noncompliance, noncompliance with laws, or not achieving “high-performing” status after three years.
  • New charters for 2026-2029 operation require state approval and funding appropriations.

3) Restrictions on districts and timelines (16-77-3.1, 16-77.2-2)

  • CESE cannot grant preliminary or final approval for district charters beginning operation in 2026-27, 2027-28, or 2028-29.
  • For district charters, application content must include comprehensive governance, facilities, support services, enrollment policies, health and safety, staffing and compensation, variances from statutes/regulations, budget and audits, and dispute-resolution procedures.
  • Employee terms: Charter schools’ staff (including teachers) must be certified; they receive prevailing wages/benefits and retirement eligibility comparable to other public school employees; service credit and rights mirror public school employees.
  • Parental and teacher involvement in governance is required (two-thirds teacher support for expansions or conversions, parental support thresholds for new district charters, etc.).

4) Independent charter schools (16-77.3-2)

  • Similar detailed charter submission requirements as district charters, including governance, facilities, health and safety, enrollment, and staffing.
  • Independent charters must be financially responsible; the Auditor General reviews nonprofit sponsor finances before final approval.
  • The Auditor General may require annual audits; misalignment can trigger withdrawal of approval.
  • Temporary prohibition on CESE approvals for independent charters in 2026-27 through 2028-29.

5) Mayoral academies (16-77.4-2)

  • Similar submission requirements for mayoral academies, including governance, facilities, enrollment, staffing, and variances.
  • Mayoral academies may optionally elect to have teachers/administrators receive prevailing wages, retirement benefits, and service credit, but this is by written notice and not mandatory for all mayors.
  • CESE approvals are blocked for mayoral academies beginning operation in 2026-27 through 2028-29.

Affected parties

  • Prospective charter operators: nonprofit organizations, district-based entities, independent charter groups, and mayoral academy proponents.
  • School districts and sending districts: potential governance involvement, financial arrangements, and enrollment implications.
  • Students and families: broader public school choices, with emphasis on at-risk populations.
  • Teachers and staff: subject to charter-specific governance, certification requirements, compensation (prevailing wages if elected), and retirement eligibility.
  • Rhode Island Department of Education and CESE: responsible for approvals, oversight, governance, and rulemaking.
  • Auditor General: financial oversight for independent charters; annual audits may be required.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: upon passage.
  • Affected approval windows: CESE may not approve new district/independent/mayoral charters for operation in 2026-27, 2027-28, or 2028-29 school years.
  • Funding and state approval: No new charter funding or expansion funding unless approved by CESE and appropriated by the General Assembly for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29.
  • Local support requirements: required for network charters; some charters may be exempt or require adjustments based on catchment area and existing charter provisions.

Overall impact

  • SB 2787 would significantly expand state oversight of charter schools while preserving charter autonomy within a framework of accountability and public funding controls.
  • It introduces strict procedural, financial, and governance requirements for district, independent, and mayoral charters.
  • It creates a phased pause on new charters and expansions for several years, tying them to explicit state budgeting and CESE approvals.
  • The bill emphasizes serving at-risk students and ensuring parental/community involvement in governance and accountability mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.