The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools is the only statewide education association focused on policy and advocacy for rural and small schools throughout Illinois. As a Policy Advocate for those schools, Program Director John Glasgow explains how he is a voice for the school districts:
“Fifty-seven percent of every public school in our state is actually a rural school. Yet that is not the narrative that we hear in Springfield or policy makers or agencies, so that is why I exist; to tell the story, to go out and visit schools, and to offer technical assistance where needed,” says Glasgow.
“A lot of it comes down to equity and representation in our state policy. If policy doesn’t specifically recognize the unique needs of rural districts, in particular distances, geography, it is harder to get teachers, harder to keep teachers, it is harder to offer a lot of courses because of our smaller students populations, if policy doesn’t at least recognize that at a base minimum, it will not be adequate for fully supporting our public education,” Glasgow adds.
The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools has supported public education in rural communities since 1982.
