R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-43-3
The department of elementary and secondary education shall prescribe regulations for the keeping of accounts and records and the making of reports by or under the supervision of school committees. These accounts and records shall be available for inspection and audit by authorized agents of the federal government or by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or his or her duly authorized agents. The department of elementary and secondary education shall conduct or cause to be conducted any audits, inspections, and administrative reviews of accounts, records, and operations with respect to educational programs established under 20 U.S.C. § 2301 et seq. considered necessary to determine whether its agreements with school committees and regulations pursuant to this chapter are being complied with, and to insure that those programs are effectively administered.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-43-3