Ensures public schools with available seats offer them to other students within the same district.

This bill mandates that any public school with available seats, after the initial enrollment period, must offer those seats to other students within the same school district. The Rhode Island Department of Education will establish procedures for identifying, posting, and assigning these open seats. Districts may prioritize siblings of enrolled students, students needing specialized programs, or those living nearest to the school, but must apply these priorities consistently and transparently.

Ensures public schools with available seats offer them to other students within the same district.

This bill mandates that any public school with available seats, after the initial enrollment period, must offer those seats to other students within the same school district. The Rhode Island Department of Education will establish procedures for identifying, posting, and assigning these open seats. Districts may prioritize siblings of enrolled students, students needing specialized programs, or those living nearest to the school, but must apply these priorities consistently and transparently.