Illinois State Board of Education
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The Illinois State Board of Education is committed to supporting rural school districts in Illinois by providing resources and guidance that meet their unique needs. In May 2026, ISBE adopted the following as the state definition of rural school districts:

  • District NCES locale code of 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43
  • Community unit district enrollment of 3,500 or fewer
  • Elementary district enrollment of 2,500 or fewer
  • High school district enrollment of 1,100 or fewer

    • The definition will allow for representation, advocacy, and community building among rural schools in the state. It may also increase the number of rural school districts eligible for federal grant dollars. ​​

Announcements

  • ​​​May 13, 2026 – The Illinois State Board of Education approved the definition of rural school districts for the State of Illinois.​​​​

Title V, Part B-Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP)

Rural Education Achievement Programs (REAP) is designed to address the unique needs of rural local educational agencies (LEAs) that may lack the personnel and resources to compete effectively for Federal competitive grants and that often receive grant allocations in amounts that are too small to be effective in meeting their intended purposes. REAP consists of two formula grant programs:

  • Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA): USDE makes grants directly to LEAs,
  • Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS): USDE makes grants to State educational agencies (SEAs).  SEAs make subgrants to LEAs.​

Resources for REAP Programs

Resources

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Contact Information