R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21.1-5: Hearings — Commissioner of elementary and secondary education.

All controversies arising out of application of any provision of this chapter shall be determined by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or his or her designated hearing officer who shall afford a hearing to the pupil and school committee concerned, and, after a hearing, shall render a decision. The decision of the commissioner, or the grant or denial of a variance shall be final except that the pupil or school committee aggrieved by the decision or the grant or denial of a variance shall have a right of appeal to the superior court which shall affirm the decision or the grant or denial of a variance unless it is clearly erroneous or contrary to law.