WiRSA (Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance) - Strong Schools - Strong Communities
Volume 1, Issue 1 - Fall 2026
The National Rural Education Association is proud to introduce this new quarterly publication focused on the excellence in rural education. Rural Advantage is comprised of stories from real rural schools and free information and resources from our invested partners.
In this issue:
Meet the finalists for the Rural Innovation & Impact Showcase
Learn about implementing health insurance benefits in a rural district from Apollo Health Insurance
Hear from Penn Valley Union ESD in California
Engage with strategies for building stronger rural communities from National Grange
...and more!
This project can only succeed with your involvement; please reach out to us with your stories and share with your network! We hope you enjoy this first edition of Rural Advantage.
The U.S. Department of Education published a final rule in the Federal Register that recodifies the Title IX regulations (34 CFR Part 106) back to the text in force before April 29, 2024. It took effect today, with no comment period.
The 2024 rule was vacated nationwide and hasn't been enforceable since January 31, 2025, so districts have already been operating under the earlier standard. What changes is the regulatory text itself. Any board policy, student handbook, or grievance procedure still written to the 2024 definitions is now out of alignment with federal regulations.
You may want to check with their policy service to confirm an update is already in the works. It's a single agenda item fix this fall, and a much bigger headache if it waits until spring.
You can read the rule here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/29/2026-19929/recodification-of-title-ix-rules
October 1 marks the start of FY2027, and the formula installment and E-Rate comments are due October 13. AASA's drafting tool at https://erate.aasa.org makes submitting a comment quick.
National Rural Education Association Appoints Bonnie Walker as New Director of Programs and Partnerships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUCSON, AZ. — The National Rural Education Association (NREA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bonnie Walker as its new Director of Programs and Partnerships, effective October 1, 2026.
Walker brings more than 25 years of association management and nonprofit experience to NREA. Most recently, she served nearly seven years as Director of Operations with the Texas Rural Education Association (TREA), where she played a key leadership role in organizational operations, membership engagement, conferences and events, corporate partnerships, and sponsorship development. Prior to joining TREA, Walker spent 18 years with the Texas Library Association.
A seventh-generation Texan, she has a deep appreciation for rural communities and the people who serve them and has remained actively engaged in the association community through volunteer and leadership service with the Texas Society of Association Executives and organizations in her local community.
"Having worked alongside Bonnie at the state level for years, I have seen firsthand her unwavering dedication to rural schools and her exceptional talent for building strong partnerships," said Dr. Bill Chapman, NREA President. "I am excited to see her deep expertise and passion for rural communities brought to the national level."
This role is new to NREA, and a big step forward for organizational growth. Walker will focus on strengthening NREA program offerings, cultivating strategic and corporate partnerships, and enriching NREA’s relationships with rural schools and communities across the country. A key focus of her work will be supporting the National Forum to Advance Rural Education, NREA’s annual conference, and key initiatives tied to the event such as the National Rural Principal Fellowship and the Rural Innovation & Impact Showcase. She will also be facilitating partnership agreements, both for the conference and year-round.
"Our programs are about creating opportunity, connection, and growth for rural educators and students," said Dr. Melissa Sadorf, NREA Executive Director. "Bonnie brings an exceptional depth of rural-focused nonprofit experience and a proven track record of building strategic partnerships, making her uniquely and wonderfully positioned to help NREA expand our national impact through our programming.”
Through her new role, Walker will help NREA enhance their support of rural school districts, educators, and students nationwide. NREA asks rural advocates to join them in welcoming and celebrating her as she steps into this position.
NREA Annual Membership Meeting
The NREA is holding a General Membership meeting with the Executive Board on September 17 at 11:00 PST / 2:00 EST. Please join us!
NREA Policy Impact Survey
Calling all rural leaders! NREA needs YOUR insights on local policy shifts and professional needs. Thank you for sharing your essential perspective with us in this six question campaign. Closes September 5.
Thank you for being a member of NREA. Because of your involvement with our organization, I want to personally share this application for a new program - the National Rural Principal Fellowship - that NREA is launching at this year's National Forum to Advance Rural Education.
If you are a rural principal, public or private, apply today!
View the full information about the Fellowship below, as well as assets for sharing with your network. Questions about the fellowship network can be directed to Nancy Mangum mangumn@appstate.edu or Theresa Gibson gibsont3@appstate.edu.
Always Advancing Rural Education,
Dr. Melissa Sadorf
Executive Director
National Rural Education Association
The Voice of Rural Schools: 2026 Annual Report
June 18, 2026
The National Rural Education Association is proud to present this annual report, the first of its kind in the history of the organization. This document reviews the successes and celebrations of the past year and looks ahead to the amazing things planned for FY27, as well as strategic goals for the future of the organization. We hope you will enjoy this overview of how NREA continues to serve as the Voice of Rural Schools.
You can use the flipbook below similar to an ebook. It is searchable, available in full screen, and allows you click all of the interactive elements such as the table of contents and links throughout the report. If you would prefer to download a PDF, please use this link.
Take NREA's Rural Education Survey
Only 6 questions!
We want to learn about the current landscape of rural education in your area. Your feedback on this brief survey is greatly appreciated as it helps us better serve you!
Please take the survey even if you are not an NREA member - we want to hear from ALL rural communities. All responses to this survey are due by June 26.
2026 National Forum to Advance Rural Education
October 19-21, 2026 | San Antonio, Texas
Join Us in San Antonio!
Join rural education leaders from across the country for the 2026 National Forum to Advance Rural Education—the nation’s premier rural education conference!
What's New for 2026 Rural Innovation & Impact Showcase Competition
A national stage for rural innovation. Finalists present LIVE—and one standout initiative is awarded $5,000 during the Forum.
Voices at the Table Policy Forum
Not a typical session. Join interactive, table-based discussions that elevate rural voices and shape real policy conversations.
Built for Connection
More intentional time to connect, collaborate, and learn from peers—plus space to explore and engage beyond sessions. Plus, everything you expect—and more:
150+ sessions focused on real-world strategies
National speakers and rural success stories
Practical ideas you can take back and use immediately
Make Your Plans Now: Register by July 19 to SAVE!
NREA Members: Use your discount code for $100 off registration
Not an NREA Member?Join today to receive the member discount
National Grange Releases New Report Highlighting Impact of 340B on Rural Hospitals
The National Grange has released a new report and analysis by Avalere Health examining the impact of the 340B Drug Pricing Program on rural hospitals, underscoring the program’s essential role in preserving access to care for millions of Americans in rural and small-town communities.
The report, The 340B Program Impact on Rural Hospitals, reveals stark disparities between rural and non-rural hospitals and raises concerns about policy and structural challenges that threaten the stability of rural healthcare systems.
Report reveals dramatic differences between rural and non-rural hospitals in patient populations, care delivery, and financial metrics
Sevastopol is presenting at our NREA
National Forum to Advance Rural Education Convention in San Antonio, Texas!
What does it take for a small, rural district to consistently outperform expectations and rise to the top in state and national rankings? Sevastopol School District invites you to come find out. Recognized in the top 10% statewide by U.S. News & World Report and SchoolDigger.com, and labeled “Significantly Exceeds Expectations” on the Wisconsin State Report Card for two consecutive years, Sevastopol has emerged as a standout in public education. Even more compelling, this success comes while serving a student body with approximately 35% classified as Economically Disadvantaged.
We invite educators, policymakers, and community leaders to explore how Sevastopol’s intentional practices, strong community partnerships, and relentless focus on equity have created a culture of excellence. This is more than a success story—it’s a blueprint for sustainable achievement. Come see how Sevastopol is redefining what’s possible for public schools in Wisconsin.
2026 Congressional App Challenge
Submissions Due October 26, 2026
The Congressional App Challenge is the official student STEM competition of the U.S. House of Representatives. It's an annual nationwide competition hosted by Members of Congress designed to inspire middle and high school students to explore STEM fields.
Incorporating the Congressional App Challenge into your curriculum is a simple and impactful way to inspire middle and high school students, encourage hands-on STEM learning, and connect them to their elected representatives. Students can participate individually or in teams of up to four, making it easy to adapt to any classroom or program setting.
2026 NREA Writing Contest Open Now!
Ready, Set, Rural: Creating Opportunities Everywhere
Submissions Due May 31, 2026
Rural communities are full of creativity, resilience, and unique opportunities. Through this contest, students K-12 will share their perspectives on rural life, the importance of education in rural areas, and ideas for creating opportunities that can make a difference locally or nationally. Learn more and submit by May 31.