Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the Sheila C.
"Skip" Nowell Academy (hereinafter the "academy") is hereby reconstituted and created as a public school and local educational agency authorized to operate pursuant to this chapter. The academy shall, upon the approval of the council for elementary and secondary education, cease operating as an independent charter school under chapter 77.3 of title 16.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-114-1