Rhode Island General Laws Title 16. Education § 16-94-4. Family engagement advisory council established

(a)Creation. There is hereby established a state-wide family engagement advisory council. The purpose of the council shall be to serve as an advisory body to the governor, the department of education, the board of regents, and to school districts. The council shall consist of twenty-one (21) members to be appointed by the governor, to be selected as follows: one of whom shall be a member from the Rhode Island Parent information Network; one of whom shall be a member from the Rhode Island State PTA; one of whom shall be a member from the Child Opportunity Zone Network; one of whom shall be a representative from the Rhode Island Department of Health Division of Community, Family Health and Equity; one of whom shall be a representative from an agency or association with experience and expertise in family engagement; four (4) of whom shall be current educators from within Rhode Island school districts, which shall include a district level administrator, a principal, a teacher, and a school committee member; one of whom shall be a representative from the department of education; and eleven (11) of whom shall be parents and/or guardians of children currently enrolled in a Rhode Island public school. School districts, agencies, and associations with expertise in family engagement shall be solicited for proposed nominations and recommendations for the parent/guardian members.

(b)Terms. All the members shall serve for a term of three (3) years and/or until their successors are appointed and qualified. A member shall be eligible to succeed himself or herself. A vacancy other than by expiration shall be filled in the same manner as an original appointment but only for the unexpired portion of the term.

(c)Officers. The officers of the council shall be a chairperson, who shall be a representative of the family/guardian members, and vice chairperson and a secretary, who shall be elected from the membership. Officers shall be elected annually by a majority vote of the council members; a majority of the appointed members shall constitute a quorum; the council is authorized to obtain or to contract for any services that may be necessary to enable it to carry out its duties. A majority vote of those present shall be required for action.

(d)Expenses of members. The members of the council shall serve without compensation.

(e)Gifts, grants, or donations. The council is authorized to receive any gifts, grants, or donations made for any of the purposes of its program, and to disburse and administer the gifts, grants, or donations in accordance with the terms of it.