§ 16-97-1.2. Powers and duties of the board of education. The board of education shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) To develop and adopt a strategic plan defining broad goals and objectives for education in the state. These goals and objectives shall be expressed in terms of the future educational attainment of the population, quality of life and economy of Rhode Island, including but not limited to what children, men and women should know and be able to do as a result of their educational experience and the contributions of education to meeting the workforce and economic development needs of Rhode Island. The board shall approve the strategic plans for elementary and secondary education and postsecondary education in terms of the alignment of these strategic plans with the overall strategic plan of the board of education. The board shall continuously evaluate the efforts of the council on elementary and secondary education and the council on postsecondary education to implement the strategic plans and shall review the results of education in the light of these objectives;

(b) To prepare and maintain a five (5) year strategic funding plan for all levels of education in Rhode Island. The board shall determine priorities of expenditures for public education purposes of state revenues and other public resources made available for the support of public education and direct the council on elementary and secondary education and the council on postsecondary education to implement those priorities when developing the annual budget for elementary and secondary education and higher education. The councils shall present their annual budgets to the board for its review and approval. Nothing contained in this subdivision shall authorize the board to alter the allocation of grants or aid otherwise provided by law;

(c) To develop and submit to the general assembly for approval a performance funding formula for public higher education that furthers the purposes of the board and ensures that all students may achieve educational excellence;

(d) To develop policies that maximize the potential of collaboration from elementary and secondary education through higher education systems and that improve efficiencies at all levels of the education system through improved coordination of activities;

(e) To embrace the legislative findings regarding virtual education established by § 16-22.1-2 of the general laws and adopt goals and policies that address these findings and to encourage the council on elementary and secondary education and the council for postsecondary education to develop and or improve virtual learning experiences for Rhode Island students;

(f) To approve the appointment of a commissioner of elementary and secondary education.

(g) To approve the appointment of a commissioner of postsecondary education.

(h) To conduct a training course for newly appointed and qualified board members within six (6) months of their qualification. The course shall be developed by the chairperson of the board, approved by the board, and conducted by the chairperson of the board. The board may approve the use of any board or staff members or other individuals to assist with training. The training course shall include instruction in the following areas: the provisions of chapters 42-46, 36-14, and 38-2; and the board's own rules.

History of Section. (P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 20, § 9.)