Rhode Island General Laws > Chapter 16-13 – Teachers’ Tenure


§ 16-13-1	“Teacher” defined
§ 16-13-2	Annual contract basis – Automatic continuation
§ 16-13-3	Probationary period – Tenure after probation
§ 16-13-4	Statement of cause for dismissal – Hearing – Appeals – Arbitration
§ 16-13-5	Suspension for cause – Payment for period suspended
§ 16-13-6	Suspension because of decrease in school population – Seniority – Reinstatement
§ 16-13-7	Continuity unimpaired by military service
§ 16-13-8	Continuity of tenure upon transfer
§ 16-13-9	Termination for cause – List maintained

Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
Common law: The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States. It is based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action.
Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. ^Source:
Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
in writing: include printing, engraving, lithographing, and photo-lithographing, and all other representations of words in letters of the usual form. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-16
person: may be construed to extend to and include co-partnerships and bodies corporate and politic. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-6
teacher: as used in this chapter means every person for whose position a certificate issued by the department of elementary and secondary education is required by law. See Rhode Island General Laws 16-13-1