LEA Reviews

In 2022, the Rhode Island General Assembly mandated that the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education (Council) create regulations pursuant to R.I. Gen. Law § 16-7.1-5.1. These regulations provide the criteria and a procedure for determining the end of turnaround status for LEAs subject to intervention and support pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7.1-5, and to return control over the operation of such LEAs from the Council back to the local school board or committee. The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) developed the proposed regulations (200-RICR-20-05-6) pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7.1-5.1 with input from public education stakeholders and experts and by examining education policy best practices. 

At the Council’s October 24, 2023, meeting, the Council formally approved the proposed regulations for the purpose of public review. The public comment period lasted 45-days (longer than the required 30-day period) from November 3, 2023, to December 18, 2023.  RIDE made public comment possible via formal public hearings, mail, and email at any point in time during the public comment process.  In accordance with best practices six (6) public comment hearings were conducted across Rhode Island, with at least one in every county of the state. 

After reviewing public comments, the Council finally approved Regulations 200-RICR-20-05-6 on February 27, 2024.   

Please see the following documents pertaining to the regulations: 

• The 200-RICR-20-05-6 Regulations 
• Summary One-Page Fact Sheet Provided at Regulatory Public Comment Hearings 
• RIDE’s February 2024 Council Presentation and Enclosure Memo on the Regulations  

In Summer 2024, consistent with these regulations, RIDE will be conducting a review of the Providence Public School District (PPSD). Now that PPSD is nearing the end of its initial five-year period for state intervention, this regulatory required review will help assess progress made to date and, going forward, inform any continued areas of growth and improvement for PPSD, as well as PPSD’s overall turnaround status. 

Please see the following documents pertaining to PPSD’s spring 2024 review: 

• FAQ about the regulations and PPSD’s review 
• Letter from Commissioner Infante-Green to the PPSD Community
• Original 2019 Johns Hopkins University Report on PPSD  

If you have any questions about these regulations or the review process, please contact turnaroundreview@ride.ri.gov.