Rhode Island General Laws Title 16. Education § 16-42-3. State advisory committee

(a) A state advisory committee shall be established by the department of elementary and secondary education. The committee shall be comprised of not less than fifteen (15) members: one of whom shall be the chairperson of the house finance committee or designee; one of whom shall be the chairperson of the senate finance committee or designee; one of whom shall be representative of the Rhode Island association of school superintendents; two (2) of whom shall be representatives of the Rhode Island association of school principals; two (2) of whom shall be school teachers; one of whom shall be representative of the state council on the arts; one of whom shall be a representative of a gifted project; two (2) of whom shall be educator representatives of higher education; one of whom shall be representative of the Rhode Island association of school committees; two (2) of whom shall be representatives of the public who shall be parents; and one of whom shall be representative of business/industry.

(b) In appointing members to the state advisory committee, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall ensure equal access and opportunity for participation to all interested parties. Members of the state advisory committee shall serve without compensation and shall meet a minimum of four (4) times a year. The advisory committee shall advise the commissioner of elementary and secondary education on all matters pertaining to the education of gifted and talented students.