While national education debates focus on broad policy reforms, rural Illinois schools are experiencing the most severe consequences of systemic challenges, according to Superintendent Andrew Jordan. ‘Policy gets made in Springfield, but the impact is felt in places like Stockton and other rural schools across the state of Illinois,’ Jordan says. ‘We have to solve problems with fewer people, smaller budgets, and limited resources. And yet the expectations are just as high if not higher.’
Statistical disparities reveal the depth of the challenge facing rural communities. Illinois ranks 23rd in the U.S. for per-student spending, with many rural schools falling below the state average. In Iroquois County, nearly 60% of students are considered low-income. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, over 40% of rural schools in Illinois report not having access to full-time tutoring or enrichment support. Rural districts are twice as likely to experience long-term teacher vacancies compared to suburban districts. Many rural schools serve communities where access to high-speed internet remains unreliable, affecting both online learning tools and staff recruitment efforts.
‘Every stat like that represents a kid who’s not getting what they need. That’s what keeps me up at night,’ Jordan says. The superintendent, who has secured over $270,000 in grant funding for his district, emphasizes that creative local solutions can make meaningful differences despite systemic challenges. His approach includes repurposing underused spaces, starting with simple improvements like furniture design and paint before pursuing grant funding. ‘We didn’t wait to update our library once we recognized we were under utilizing the space,’ Jordan explains. ‘Then we wrote the grant and got our staff and stakeholders on board. That’s how change works out here.’
Jordan advocates for community-based action through practical steps that individuals and organizations can implement immediately. His recommendations include volunteering for one hour at a local school, donating supplies to teacher wish lists, hosting community fundraising events like the 3-on-3 tournament that raised over $50,000, and writing letters to local organizations such as the Elks Lodge or state representatives about rural school needs. Other suggestions involve organizing shared transportation options for students facing barriers, repurposing unused spaces in community buildings into tutoring areas, and supporting student groups through attendance at events or logistical help.
‘You don’t have to fix the whole system,’ Jordan says. ‘You just have to move one piece forward. And every year you repeat the process and continue to move the school forward.’ His message emphasizes immediate action over perfect planning, noting that community members don’t need special qualifications to make meaningful contributions. ‘If you care about kids, don’t wait. You don’t need a degree, a title, or a perfect plan. Just show up.’ As rural schools face growing pressure from national education challenges, Jordan argues that small towns across Illinois can lead by example through incremental, community-driven improvements that address immediate needs while advocating for broader systemic change.
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