Rhode Island § 16-2-5 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 16-2-5 — School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act], with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-2-5. School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-2-5
§ 16-2-5. Composition of city or town school committees — Election and terms of members — Vacancies.
The school committee of each city or town shall consist of three (3) residents of the city or town, or of any number as at the present time constitute the committee. In cities or towns having annual elections of city or town officers the committee shall be divided as equally as may be into three (3) classes whose several terms of office shall expire at the end of three (3) years from the dates of their respective elections. In cities or towns having biennial elections the committee shall be divided as equally as may be into two (2) classes whose several terms of office shall expire at the end of four (4) years from the dates of their respective elections. As the office of each class shall become vacant, the vacancy or vacancies shall be filled by the city or town at its regular city or town meeting for the election of state or city or town officers, or by the city or town council at its next meeting after this. In case of a vacancy by death, resignation, or otherwise than as is provided in this section, the vacancy shall be filled by the city or town council until the next regular city or town meeting for the election of state or city or town officers, when it shall be filled for the unexpired term as is provided in this section. This section shall not apply to the cities of Providence, Central Falls, Woonsocket, or the towns of Coventry and North Smithfield.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 54, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 69, § 4; P.L. 1925,
ch. 680, § 16; P.L. 1926, ch. 889, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 179, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-5;
P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 71; P.L. 2015, ch. 1, § 3; P.L. 2015, ch. 4, § 3; 2023 Local
Act No. 58, § 3, effective June 23, 2023; 2023 Local Act No. 63, § 3, effective June
24, 2023.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 16-2-5
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 16-2-5 cover?
Section 16-2-5 ("School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 16-2-5?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 16-2-5" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 16-2-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.