IL SB1787

Creates a statewide Rural Education Advisory Council to provide policy recommendations on rural school district needs, challenges, and opportunities to the State Superintendent of Education.

Council functions include conveying rural community perspectives on statewide education policy, facilitating direct communication between rural representatives and the State Superintendent, and providing feedback on pre-K through grade 12 practices and policies in rural areas.

Council consists of 11 members: the State Superintendent or designee, one rural schools association representative, five rural district superintendents from three super-regions, one rural school principal, one rural school board representative, and representatives from statewide organizations of district and regional superintendents, plus one student at least 15 years old from a rural district.

Council members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses; the State Board of Education provides administrative support.

Council is automatically dissolved and this section is repealed on December 31, 2031.