The Newest Voices of Rural and Small Schools
The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS) worked for several years to create, through legislation, the Rural Education Advisory Council (REAC) in Illinois. In 2023, this vision came one step closer to reality with the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 1787 (Public Act 103-0457).
AIRSS is excited to announce that the Council members have been chosen by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), as well as their first meeting date. These two announcements officially mark the start of the Council’s work to be the Voice for the needs of Illinois rural and small schools.
Each of the Council members were appointed by Illinois State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Tony Sanders, for their involvement and commitment to rural and small schools in Illinois and based on the statutory requirements. These appointments come from a cross section of state associations and education entities. We invite you to learn more about the members below, who will meet for the first time on February 27, 2024. At that time, the Chair and the Vice Chair will be elected.
Shawn Walsh Illinois State Board of Education Designee for Dr. Sanders
David Ardrey Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools Executive Director
Jason Harper Rochelle Township High School & Rochelle Elementary Consolidated District Superintendent Representative for Northeastern and Northcentral Regions
Patrick Twomey Macomb CUSD 185 Superintendent Representative for Northcentral and Southern Regions AIRSS Past President
Lance Landeck St. Joseph CCSD 169 Superintendent Representative for Northcentral and Southern Regions
Dr. Jennifer Garrison Vandalia CUSD 203 Superintendent Representative for Southern Region AIRSS President
Charley Cass Bethel SD 82 Superintendent Representative for Southern Region
Paula Daley Mendota Elementary 289 Principal
Brenda Algandar Beardstown CUSD 15 School Board Member
Dr. Laura O’Donnell Olympia CUSD 16 Superintendent
Jodi Scott Regional Office of Education 33 Regional Superintendent
Jenna Jiang
Illinois State Board of Education
Student Advisory Council Member