David Ardrey

A White Paper Series on the Rural Schools Infrastructure Crisis

Co-authored by David Ardrey, Executive Director, Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools and Roger Eddy, Former Executive Director, Illinois Association of School Boards This series explores the critical condition of rural school infrastructure, and new infrastructure solutions made possible by a partnership between AIRSS and OPTERRA. This partnership is designed to bring unprecedented support […]

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Master Planning for Facilities Modernization is a “Need” not a “Want”

By David Ardrey, Executive Director, Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools and Roger Eddy, Former Executive Director, Illinois Association of School Boards This article is the final part of a series by AIRSS and OPTERRA Energy Services to explore the coming crisis of rural school infrastructure. Traditional, piecemeal solutions are no longer sufficient to

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Why Rural Districts Must Embrace a New Master Planning Approach

By David Ardrey, Executive Director, Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools This article is part three of a series by AIRSS and OPTERRA Energy Services to explore the coming crisis of rural school infrastructure. Traditional, piecemeal solutions are no longer sufficient to address this issue, and rural schools must move beyond traditional vendor relationships

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Executive Summary

A White Paper Series Co-authored by: This article is the first in a series exploring the critical condition of rural school infrastructure, and new infrastructure solutions made possible by a partnership between AIRSS and OPTERRA. In this article, AIRSS and OPTERRA state the need for a conversation on rural school infrastructure, and outline the insights

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Jim Beddow

Honoring Jim Beddow

It is with great sadness that I share that Dr. Jim Beddow, a friend and former Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC) Board Member, passed away on Sunday, June 25 after a brief and unexpected illness. I had the privilege to serve with Jim on the RSC board and watched him support rural and small schools with

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Teacher Appreciation Week 2023

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from AIRSS

Dear rural educators, The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools extends our heartfelt gratitude to all rural and small school teachers for their unwavering dedication in shaping the minds and futures of students in underserved areas, often without many resources or recognition. Your commitment to education is inspiring and truly makes a difference, and

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