Bill to create RIDE list of non-credentialed employees dismissed for cause draws support and opposition; panel holds S-633

Senator Valverde introduced S-633 to direct RIDE to maintain a list of non-credentialed school employees who were dismissed for cause and to make the list available to other school districts.

Valverde said the proposal responded to incidents in which a non-credentialed employee dismissed for cause in one district later was hired in another district. She said the bill is modeled on prior legislation that set up tracking for certified employees.

Andy Andrade of RIDE testified that a 2022 law already required tracking for certified employees, and RIDE established a compliance system to implement that requirement; he said RIDE would do the same if this bill passed. Tim Duffy of the Rhode Island Association of School Committees supported the bill as a "student safety issue" and emphasized non-credentialed employees include custodial and cafeteria staff as well as paraprofessionals.

Jennifer Lima of the North Kingstown School Committee testified in strong support, noting her local board unanimously approved a resolution backing the proposal. Committee members discussed operational questions, such as whether districts should be required to cross-check the list during hiring and whether RIDE should proactively send lists to local HR departments.

Jim Cenerini, representing AFSCME Council 94, testified against the bill on behalf of many non-credentialed employees. He said employees can be terminated for a range of reasons, including absenteeism or performance issues that may not indicate misconduct posing safety risk. He warned an overly broad list could unfairly damage workers' futures.

Committee members said they would look into drafting details including who is included in the definition of "terminated for cause" and whether proactive distribution to local HR should be required. The committee voted to hold S-633.