Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 200 - Board of Education
Chapter 20 - Council on Elementary and Secondary Education
Subchapter 05 - General and School Operations
Part 1 - Regulations Governing the School Calendar and Length of the School Day
Section 200-RICR-20-05-1.12 - Physical Plant Problems - Other Emergencies

In instances of a physical plant problem severe enough to close a school, students may be dismissed early. Schools must be in operation for at least three (3) hours to be considered a school day. If a school is not open for at least three hours, superintendents or school directors must provide written notification to the Commissioner within five (5) days explaining the situation. The Commissioner is hereby authorized to shorten the school year for individual schools based on short term emergency closures for a total of no more than five (5) school days.