The Illinois State Board of Education has officially adopted a statewide definition for rural school districts, marking what education advocates are calling a major milestone for rural and small schools across Illinois.

The vote took place during the board’s May 13 meeting and followed years of work by the Rural Education Advisory Council, commonly known as REAC, which was formed in 2022 to develop a clear and consistent definition of what qualifies as a rural school district in Illinois.

Under the newly adopted definition, rural districts must meet specific enrollment and geographic criteria. Eligible districts must carry a National Center for Education Statistics locale code of 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43. In addition, community unit districts must have enrollments of 3,500 students or fewer, elementary districts must have 2,500 students or fewer, and high school districts must enroll no more than 1,100 students.

Supporters say the standardized definition will improve how policymakers, advocates, and education agencies discuss and address the needs of rural schools.

“This is a great day for rural and small schools in Illinois,” said David Ardrey, executive director of the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools. “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.”

Advocates say the definition could also have a direct impact on school funding opportunities. According to ISBE Rural School District Lead Melissa Oller, the new state definition could help 28 Illinois local education agencies gain access to federal Rural Education Achievement Program funding that they previously could not receive.

The Rural Education Achievement Program, or REAP, uses federal definitions to determine funding eligibility for rural districts. However, federal rules also allow states to supplement those standards with their own approved definitions.

AIRSS officials thanked REAC leadership, ISBE staff, and board members for supporting the effort. Special recognition was given to REAC Chair Dr. Jennifer Garrison, ISBE official Dr. Kamako Patterson, and ISBE board members Dr. Patricia Nugent and Dr. Donna S. Leak.

AIRSS said the adoption of the definition will strengthen future advocacy efforts focused on the needs of rural and small schools throughout Illinois.

More information about AIRSS is available at AIRSS