Rhode Island has enacted legislation banning cell phones and personal electronic devices during school hours, set to take effect in August 2026. The new law requires all public school districts to develop policies prohibiting physical access to personal electronic devices by students during the school day, with flexibility for districts to determine specific enforcement methods.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has found that the Providence Public School Department violated the Civil Rights Act with a $25,000 loan forgiveness program that was exclusively available to non-White educators. The EEOC determined there was "reasonable cause" that the program violated Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Rhode Island families can access free backpacks and school supplies for approximately 15,000 children as part of back-to-school preparation efforts. The initiative aims to help families with the financial burden of school supply costs as students prepare to return to classrooms for the new academic year.

The Johnston School District has selected and hired a new superintendent to lead the district's educational initiatives and administrative operations. This leadership change represents an opportunity for fresh perspectives on curriculum development, student achievement goals, and community engagement. The new superintendent will be tasked with continuing Johnston's educational progress while addressing current challenges and implementing strategic improvements to benefit students and families. Source: wpri.com

Rhode Island's charter school sector is experiencing growing interest in unionization efforts among educators and support staff. The trend reflects broader labor movement activities in education and raises questions about working conditions, compensation, and job security in charter schools. This development could reshape the relationship between charter school operators and their workforce while potentially impacting the operational autonomy that characterizes the charter school model. Source: pbn.com