Seth Magaziner called it "dangerous and unacceptable" that some adults will be returning to schools without a COVID-19 vaccine.
Parents and guardians who are able to are asked to drive their students to and from school to reduce demand for busing.
"Children under the age of 12 cannot get vaccinated," Gov. Dan McKee said. "That's why masking is critical in schools."
The council approved the mask mandate, despite the state Department of Education likely not having the authority to do so.
More than 100 back-to-school COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be held across the state between now and mid-September.
Gov. McKee hasn't mandated masks in Rhode Island schools, but he said nearly 80 percent of districts are already requiring them.
Many parents were divided on the mask mandate​ issued by the Cranston School Committee on Monday night.
Parents in Cranston can mark the first day of school coming later this summer.
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Following the latest guidance from the CDC, state leaders encouraged universal mask-wearing in schools, regardless of vaccination status.
More than 200 meals sites were set up in qualifying communities across Rhode Island.
Starting with the graduating class of 2023, students must show they understand how their government works.
The bill exempts sunscreen from rules surrounding medications that require a note from a doctor or a visit to the school nurse.
Nationally, applications for financial aid are down this year.
Fully vaccinated students will no longer be required to wear a mask and districts will no longer be required to offer distance learning.
Gov. Dan McKee, along with the departments of health and education will outline the new guidance for the 2021-22 school year at 9 a.m.
More than 2,300 slots across 13 communities are available to children who turn 4 years old by Sept. 1.
Two more colleges in Rhode Island are requiring students to get a COVID-19 vaccine before returning to campus in the fall.
Jayson Rodriguez, a Cranston resident, plans to attend New York University to study photography, Africana studies and literature.
Dr. Javier Montanez, the current principal Leviton Dual Language School, will temporarily step in to fill the vacancy.
Gov. Dan McKee said he hopes to announce concrete plans for the 2021-22 school year July 1.
Seven high school seniors in Rhode Island were awarded National Merit Scholarships through a college or university.
Both the House and Senate approved the legislation to make the program, in place since 2017, permanent.
The students were given $2,500 National Merit scholarships.
Tell us why your grad is special and send a message of congratulations on Cranston Patch.
All students will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated before returning to campus in the fall.
See how college aid applications changed for Cranston area high schools.
Brown University and Roger Williams University will both require students to get their COVID-19 shot before returning to campus in the fall.
The state's AP test pass rate rose from 10.8 percent in 2010 to more than 25 percent in 2020.
The share of U.S. residents holding four-year or higher degrees has been increasing. See the data for Providence County.
Educators are eligible at the pharmacy due to President Joe Biden's directive.
The state's Department of Education partnered with Schoolhouse.world, which was launched by the founder of Khan Academy.
"Guns do not belong in schools, and private citizens have no business bringing a gun on school property," the bill's sponsor said.
The Rhode Island Department of Education urged students, teachers and staff to avoid gatherings and "follow the rules" during the break.
Students will learn from home through the end of the calendar year, starting later this week.
Two Rhode Island teachers unions called for schools to take a holiday pause to in-person learning over coronavirus concerns.
The governor called for retired teachers to consider stepping up, especially to support distance learning.
This week will be "one of transition" at Providence College, which issued a stay-at-home order after more than 100 cases of coronavirus.
All students are asked to get tested this week, the university said in a statement.
There has been some confusion surrounding the state's coronavirus testing system, Gov. Gina Raimondo said.