200 R.I. Code R. 200-RICR-20-05-2.8

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 200-RICR-20-05-2.8 - Charter school contracts

2.8.1 Charter school comprehensive service and management contracts

A. No charter school or charter school board shall enter into any contract for comprehensive service and management which is contrary to State or Federal law or regulations, which contravenes the written policies of the Rhode Island Council, which does entail any financial or other conflicts of interest, or which amends, alters, or modifies any provision of the school's charter. To the extent that there is a conflict between the terms of the charter and such a contract, the terms of the charter shall govern. All charter school contracts shall be made available to the Commissioner and the Auditor General upon request. Charter schools shall maintain financial records in a format that allows the ready tracking of all expenditures of public funds.

B. No charter school board shall enter into a contract that would have the effect of reducing the charter school board's ultimate responsibility for operation of its charter school, or which would hinder the charter school board in exercising effective supervision of the charter school it controls.

C. All charter school boards entering into such contracts shall directly select, retain, and compensate the school attorney, accountant, and audit firm.

D. All instructional materials, furnishings, and equipment purchased or developed with public funds shall be the property of the charter school, not the service provider.

E. The content of such contracts shall include, but not be limited to:

1. The roles and responsibilities of the school governing board and the service provider, including all services to be provided under the contract;

2. The performance measures, consequences, and mechanisms by which the school governing board will hold the provider accountable for performance;

3. All compensation to be paid to the provider, including all fees, bonuses, and what such compensation includes or requires;

4. Terms of any facility agreement that may be part of the relationship;

5. Financial reporting requirements and provisions for the school governing board's financial oversight;

6. All other financial terms of the contract, including disclosure and documentation of all loans or investments by the provider to the school, and provision for the disposition of assets in accordance with Rhode Island General Law;

7. Assurances that the school governing board, at all times, shall comply with §§ 2.7(A) through (D) of this Part;8. Respective responsibilities of the governing board and service provider in the event of school closure; and

9. Such information as required by the Commissioner to ensure compliance with the provisions identified in this chapter.

200 R.I. Code R. 200-RICR-20-05-2.8