SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - TelAve -- Since its formation in August 2022, the Rural Education Advisory Council (REAC) has focused their efforts on creating a rural definition for Illinois. At their May 13, 2026, Board meeting, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) voted to adopt this definition.

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, the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (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.

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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 advocate and develop good policy that reflects the needs and concerns of rural and small schools."

AIRSS would like to thank the ISBE Board and staff, the REAC, and all of the supporters and advocates of this work. A special thanks to REAC Chair Dr.Jennifer Garrison for her leadership of the REAC and speaking at the ISBE Board Meeting. Thanks as well as to Dr. Kamako Patterson for her leadership on behalf of ISBE, and to ISBE Board Members Dr. Patricia Nugent and Dr. Donna S. Leak for their kind words of support during the meeting.

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AIRSS looks forward to enhancing their advocacy for all rural and small schools in Illinois using this rural definition, and the continued partnership of ISBE and the REAC.

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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. https://airssedu.org/