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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!
Awarded 2021 Superintendent of the Year at Joint Annual Conference
President Edwin Shoemate
On his recent visit to “The Hill” AIRSS Executive Director David Ardrey and first term Congressman Mike Bost share a lighter moment as they discuss issues that impact our rural communities and schools.
Awarded 2021 Superintendent of the Year at Joint Annual Conference
2020-21 Annual Report
Available to View
The Long Road Ahead - where do we go from here? For AIRSS, we completed the fifth year of our five-year strategic plan during the 2020 pandemic. Not a complete loss of productivity, as our work to stabilize and strengthen the organizational structure continued and is showing signs of marked improvement. The focus on our three goals Access, Advocate, and Voice continues to be at the forefront of all our work.
Read more in our annual report.
Recent News - Rural Illinois School Receives National Blue Ribbon Award
The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools is proud to join the United States Department of Education in recognizing New Simpson Hill School District 32 as a National Blue Ribbon School – located in rural Tunnel Hill, IL.
