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Chariho committee tables resolution urging amendment to state law on private-school transportation costs
Summary
The committee discussed a resolution asking the General Assembly to amend R.I. Gen. Laws 16-21-15 to require nonprofit private schools to share the cost of statewide student transportation. After lengthy debate about local fiscal impacts and reimbursement mechanics, the committee unanimously tabled the resolution for revision and further study.
The Chariho School Committee discussed and then tabled a proposed resolution asking the Rhode Island General Assembly to amend R.I. Gen. Laws 16-21-15 so that nonprofit private schools share in the cost of the statewide transportation system.
Background and what was proposed: Presenters said the district currently pays nearly the full cost of transporting students who attend non-public, nonprofit private schools under existing state practice; the resolution would request a change so private schools bear some of that cost, which proponents said would reduce the district's transportation expense (the administration cited roughly $800,000 as the district's current cost related to non-public transportation in its example).
Debate highlights: Committee members and speakers raised several concerns. Supporters argued the existing arrangement is an unfunded mandate that shifts a sizable burden to towns and school districts; one speaker said legislative history showed some representatives sought to protect private-school parental choice at public expense. Opponents warned of local fallout if nonprofit schools lost services or if parents faced new out-of-pocket travel costs. Finance staff and members also noted the complexity of state reimbursement rules: using local, potentially cheaper providers can trigger penalties and reduce state aid under the existing statewide transportation system.
Several committee members urged a cautious approach. Jess Purcell and others said they supported studying the statewide transportation system and exploring targeted legislative changes, but they opposed the resolution as drafted because it could unfairly shift costs in Chariho. The committee heard that some districts which supply their own transportation lose certain state reimbursements and that rural/regional patterns vary widely across the state.
Action: Committee member Pat moved to table the resolution and seek a revised wording and additional legal review. Diane seconded the motion. The committee voted unanimously to table the resolution and asked administration to return with a redrafted proposal and any legal counsel comments, and to consider the statewide transportation study material now before the legislature.
Ending note: Committee members recommended further outreach and consultation with the School Building Authority, RIDE and municipal officials before advancing a legislative request, and several members suggested aligning any future resolution with House Bill 5204, which was referenced during discussion as an example of legislation addressing regional transportation models.
