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RIASC plays a leading role in setting the Rhode Island education legislative agenda. RIASC Board members participate in the National School Boards Association Federal Relations Networking Conference annually. They also meet with the Rhode Island delegation in Washington regarding the national education agenda. On the local level, Tim Duffy, Executive Director, serves as lobbyist for the Association and maintains an active presence at the State House during the legislative sessions.
Student Transportation
RIASC won passage of legislation allowing districts to transport students, outside of their boundaries, in smaller busses or special outfitted SUV's, as opposed to full size school busses.
Independent Legal Counsel
RIASC won passage of statutory language reversing a Rhode Island Supreme Court decision that prohibited school districts from retaining independent legal counsel. Prior to enactment of the legislation, municipalities could require school districts to utilize city solicitors as their legal counsel.
School Committee Representation on Collaborative Boards
RIASC was instrumental in passing legislation that allows school committee members to serve as Chairs of their respective Collaborative Boards.
OPEN MEETINGS
During the 1998 session, RIASC lobbied for changes to the open meetings law. The result - school committees no longer have to advertise subcommittee meetings.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2010 S2777 Requires school committee members to annually undertake six (6) hours of professional development administered by the Rhode Island Association of School Committees. RIASC was successful in passing their Professional Development bill. Now school committee members who complete voluntary training will receive RI Board of Regents' recognition after achieving 15 hours of professional development.
STATE-LOCAL RELATIONS COMMISSION
RIASC was successful in adding school committee representation to the State-Local Relations Commission.
EDUCATION LEGISLATION
On March 20, RIASC held a professional development session, providing attendees with an overview of key education legislation that has been introduced in this legislative session and an analysis of the 2010 funding formula proposed by the RI Department of Education.
LEGISLATIVE ALERTS
Watch your e-mail for legislative alerts from RIASC. We will keep you informed of hearings you should attend or upcoming legislation that has a direct impact on your district.
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