R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-43-2
The department of elementary and secondary education may enter into any agreements with any agency of the federal government, any school committee, or any other agency or person, may prescribe any regulations, employ any personnel, and take any action that it may deem necessary to provide for the establishment, maintenance, operation, and expansion of any educational program under 20 U.S.C. § 2301 et seq., and to direct the disbursement of federal and state funds in accordance with existing provisions of the federal and state laws. The department of elementary and secondary education may give technical advice and assistance to any school committee in connection with the establishment and operation of any program and may assist in training personnel engaged in the operation of these programs.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-43-2