Rhode Island General Laws Title 28. Labor and Labor Relations § 28-9.3-2. Right to organize and bargain collectively

(a) The certified teachers in the public school system in any city, town, or regional school district have the right to negotiate professionally and to bargain collectively with their respective school committees and to be represented by an association or labor organization in the negotiation or collective bargaining concerning hours, salary, working conditions, and all other terms and conditions of professional employment.

(b) For purposes of this chapter, “certified teachers” means certified teaching personnel employed in the public school systems in the state of Rhode Island engaged in teaching duties, including support personnel whose positions require a professional certificate issued by the state department of education and personnel licensed by the department of health; or other non-administrative professional employees.

(c) Whenever the word “school committee” is used in this chapter, in a municipality with an appointed school committee, it means the chief executive officer of the municipality.

(d) Superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, and assistant principals, and other supervisors above the rank of assistant principal, are excluded from the provisions of this chapter.

(e) Active employees whose collective bargaining agreements expire on or after September 30, 2011, may, upon expiration of such collective bargaining agreements, receive coverage under benefit plans including, but not limited to, those recommended in accordance with chapter 27-73.