The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS) would like to thank Governor JB Pritzker for his strong commitment to education, Illinois schools and specifically rural and small schools.
In the Governor’s budget address today, a number of proposals to support education where highlighted, including a Teacher Pipeline Initiative using a formula grant method that provides for “Precision Eligibility and Maximum Grantee Flexibility.”
This proposal is exactly the type of outcome AIRSS has been advocating for. With defined levels of support for rural schools, focused on targeted needs and shortages, and with significant flexibility to work with the agency (ISBE), this grant will begin the process of addressing the teacher shortage in rural and small schools.
We, AIRSS, want to thank the Governor and his team for the vision and insight to consider the needs of all schools in Illinois regardless of zip code. We look forward to supporting Governor Pritzker as we work together to improve all Illinois schools.
Always advocating for you,
David M. Ardrey
Executive Director
Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools