No Limit On School Days For Retired Teachers In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — Retired teachers who went back to work during the COVID-9 pandemic can stay in classrooms until the end of the school year without facing a penalty. On Monday, Gov. Dan McKee signed into law an extension to the pandemic policy suspending the cap on workdays for retired educators.

The initial policy was put in place by an executive order from the governor, in an effort to address staffing shortages across the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill extended the order, set to expire March 31, until the end of the current school year.

"The pandemic has stressed our education and healthcare systems to their limits and we have seen the crucial necessity to be adaptable when dealing with this virus while also delivering the services our residents rely upon and need," said Rep. Gregg Amore, the House sponsor. "This bill will allow us to continue to be adaptable when educating our students and caring for our sick as we remain vigilant during the still ongoing pandemic."

Had the order expired, schools across the state would have faced serious staffing issues for the rest of the school year, the lawmakers said.

"Our students have been through so much over the past two years and without this legislation, they faced the possibility of further disruption to their educations," said Sen. Stephen Archambault, who sponsored the legislation in the Senate. "I am happy that the General Assembly came together to give our schools the flexibility they need to continue serving our children properly throughout the end of the school year, while also strengthening the strained staffing levels of our healthcare system."

The bill also addressed issues with school transportation requirements, and lowered work requirements for registered nurse graduates pending licensures, making it easier for them to get to work on the front lines of the pandemic.