Title: The Facts on Rural Schools – Public Schools First NC
Headings: The Facts on Rural Schools
The Facts on Rural Schools
Leandro and Rural Schools
Critical Needs Directly Impacting Rural School Districts
Challenges for Rural Schools
Poverty
Healthcare
Underfunding
Academic Performance
Teachers
Broadband
Attempts at Reform
Privatization
School Closures or Teacher Replacement
Possible solutions
Rural Schools Can:
Lawmakers and policymakers should:
Last revised January 12, 2021
Resources

Content: Even when rural schools do receive grant money, if it is awarded based on student population size, the amount awarded may not be significant. The 2020 Local School Finance Study from the Public School Forum of NC found that the ten highest spending counties spent on average $3,305 per student compared to an average of $782 per student by the ten lowest spending counties, with a gap of $2,523 per student. That gap is the largest since the Forum began tracking this figure in 1987. There are fewer resources available to lower wealth counties, including money for teacher salaries and supplies. Also, the tax burden is greater in lower wealth counties because the tax base is smaller. Wealthier counties are able to keep tax rates low, while still procuring enough funds for their schools. For many districts across the nation, there is a growing teacher shortage due to years of underinvestment and stagnant salaries. Rural schools have an even more difficult time of attracting talent, as they have fewer resources to draw from for teacher salary supplements. The report states “ In low-wealth districts, schools are often unable to offer the diversity of course offerings found in wealthier counties, meaning that many students in these districts are unable to access advanced courses or electives that are important in developing college and career readiness.” Poorer, rural districts cannot make up the difference when state funding levels are insufficient and will continue to fall behind if funding adequacy is not addressed.