Welcome to AIRSS.

Welcome to the AIRSS (Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools) web page. The Association was chartered in 1987 with the purpose of presenting a unified effort to promote educational excellence in rural and small schools in Illinois. In 1994, LOCON (Local Control) merged with and became an affiliate of AIRSS to solidify us as the ONLY statewide organization that helps to promote and enhance education in rural and small schools in every community and location of Illinois.

Our emphasis is to give identity, voice and recognition to rural and small schools and their local communities.

We are here for you!

SB1787 Passes!

August 4th, 2023 Governor JB Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 1787 – The Rural Education Advisory Council

2023-24 Grants in Place Fellows

Our friends at Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC) are pleased to announce the 2023-24 Grants in Place Fellows Program

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...

Evidence Based Funding Spending Plan

AIRSS continues to advocate on behalf of rural and small schools, serving when asked. As your Executive Director, I represented AIRSS as...

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...

THANK YOU: SB 1787 Passes House Education Committee

Yesterday was a great day for all Illinois rural and small schools. Your support and grassroots advocacy resulted in SB1787 passing on a...

2022 Annual Report
Available to View

There is no doubt that all roads lead to advocacy, and AIRSS must continue traveling with that end in mind. Board members will come and go, you will have another Executive Director (your 5th in some 40+ years), but the need for advocacy will go on forever and the journey will not end.