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 in 1908, this legislation supports rural counties with federal land that local governments cannot tax [1]. It has been continually reauthorized by Congress, but the legislation died in 2024 [2].
This meant that many of the provisions for secure payments to states and counties with federal land were set to expire in 2023. The passage of this Act pushes these deadlines to 2026, and it includes a commitment for payments within 45 days for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
Ten of Illinois’ southernmost counties host federal forest lands. This area includes 37 rural school districts who may benefit from this additional line of assistance to help improve infrastructure and buildings.
“While Illinois is not impacted as greatly as other states, any funding set aside for rural and small schools is critical for continued positive educational outcomes of rural children,” said AIRSS Executive Director David Ardrey.
The reauthorization of this support is a necessary victory for rural schools and communities across the country. The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools has supported this legislation, and its passage paves the way for future support for rural communities.
That said, there is still much work to be done. The reauthorization only guarantees funding to the end of FY26, so if Congress does not act again, the funding will expire in one year.
“AIRSS will continue to advocate on behalf of all rural and small schools in Illinois, both at the state and federal levels,” said Ardrey.
Thank you to the following advocates for their efforts to support and pass this legislation:
- Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-California), a friend of NREA and AIRSS
- Jaime Green, Superintendent, and Sheree Beans, CBO, of Trinity Alps Unified School District
- National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition
- National Association of Counties (NACo)
- National Rural Education Association and its Executive Director Dr. Melissa Sadorf
- The FFA students, led by Bode Gower, from across the country who traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for this funding
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The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS) is the ONLY statewide education association that is focused on policy and advocacy for Illinois rural and small schools. Through advocacy, policy, and legislation, AIRSS strives to address the needs, issues, and concerns of all pk-12 rural and small schools in Illinois.