Hailey Winkleman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield, IL – 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 […]

The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools once again received several outstanding applications for our Illinois Rural Teacher of the Year Award, a recognition program now in its second year. The following three finalists are awarded the 2026 Teacher of Distinction title, and our winner will be selected from these outstanding educators. Thank you

President Trump signed H.R. 1383, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, into law on December 22, 2025, after bipartisan support moved it through the House and Senate. The bill was introduced earlier this year with the goal of extending the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Originally introduced in Congress

Thank you to OneGoal for your support of our mission to advocate and be the VOICE of Illinois rural and small schools! The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS) is excited to partner with this organization focused on equitable postsecondary opportunities for rural students. OneGoal is a nonprofit organization providing advising and support

AIRSS Joins Hundreds of Organizations in Condemning Sweeping Cuts to the U.S. Department of Education

We are excited to present our 2025 Annual Report: “We Are Here!” Defining “rural” for Illinois is an essential task that AIRSS is determined to carry forward under the leadership of its new President, Chris Janssen. It allows us to say with confidence and pride that “We Are Here!” and it gives direction and focus

Recently, the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools launched the nomination form for our first-ever Illinois Rural Teacher of the Year Award. We were thrilled to receive several outstanding applications, and while the winner will be notified and announced after June 6, we wanted to recognize all of the nominees as Teachers of Distinction

We are excited to present our 2024 Annual Report: “We Are Connected.” This report details how AIRSS has grown and become an integral part of rural advocacy in Illinois through our connections to state agencies, member school districts, national organizations, and individuals.

Teachers are the cornerstone of our rural schools and communities. The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools was thrilled to see the great responses from our network to nominate rural educators of all types whom they respect and admire. Thank you to everyone who participated, and especially to our rural educators across Illinois working