FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tucson, AZ – The National Rural Education Association (NREA) is proud to share an important accomplishment from our Illinois State Affiliate, the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS). At their May 13, 2026, Board meeting, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) voted to adopt a definition of “rural” put forth by the Rural Education Advisory Council (REAC).
Almost a decade ago, AIRSS proposed the formation of the REAC, so rural voices would have a definitive seat at the ISBE table. The REAC was officially formed through the passage of Senate Bill 1787 in August 2022. Since its formation, the REAC has focused their efforts on creating a rural definition for Illinois in partnership with ISBE.
The following criteria now define a rural school district in Illinois:
- District NCES Locale Code of 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43.
- Community Unit District Enrollment of 3,500 or fewer.
- Elementary District Enrollment of 2,500 or fewer.
- High School District Enrollment of 1,100 or fewer.
By implementing a standard rural definition, AIRSS, the REAC, ISBE, lawmakers, and advocates can better inform education policy to fairly consider rural schools. Now, all entities can agree what “rural” means when discussing education issues and ensure that the unique needs of those districts are represented.
The implications of this definition also extend to federal funding access. The Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) has its own definitions for rural and small when determining if a Local Education Agency (LEA) is eligible for funding. However, a state agency definition can be used to supplement the REAP definition when determining eligibility. According to ISBE Rural School District Lead Melissa Oller, the new Illinois definition will give 28 LEAs in Illinois access to federal REAP funding that were previously considered ineligible.
“Today is a great day for rural and small schools in Illinois,” said AIRSS Executive Director David Ardrey. “After a decade of work and significant advocacy, a clear and specific definition of rural and small schools has been adopted. It is an important step to develop and advocate for good policy that reflects the needs and concerns for all rural and small schools.”
NREA will continue to support AIRSS as they enhance their state-level advocacy using the new rural definition. This work can also help start the “definition” conversation across the U.S.
“This rural definition enhances access to federal funding for rural and small districts in Illinois, and other state agencies should certainly take note,” said NREA Executive Director Dr. Melissa Sadorf. “NREA extends a heartfelt congratulations to AIRSS, our Illinois State Affiliate organization, for this landmark achievement.”
Congratulations again to AIRSS for their work to define rural education in Illinois. You can learn more about AIRSS, the REAC, and the rural definition on their website.
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The National Rural Education Association (NREA) was originally founded as the Department of Rural Education in 1907. It is the oldest established national organization in the United States. As the trusted voice for rural education, the NREA advocates for every rural learner, educator, and community. The NREA envisions strong rural schools and communities where education is the catalyst for resilience, opportunity and success.
The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS) is the ONLY statewide education association that is focused on policy and advocacy for Illinois rural and small schools. Through advocacy, policy, and legislation, AIRSS strives to address the needs, issues, and concerns of all pk-12 rural and small schools in Illinois.
