Ed bills up for hearings Wednesday

The Senate Education Committee will consider allowing public schools to charge fees for extra-curricular activities at a hearing Wednesday afternoon. The bill from Sen. Louis DiPalma (D — Middletown, Little Compton, Newport Tiverton) would allow districts to assess “reasonable fees” for activities including band, sports and clubs.

The committee will also consider a bill requiring all high schools to offer music performance instruction. That bill comes from Sen. Roger Picard (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland). Ironically Picard’s own district, Woonsocket, is facing a $10 million deficit and will likely consider cutting music programs along with other cost-saving measures.

The Senate Education Committee meets at 4:30 in room 310 of the State House.