Advocacy

New York State’s rural communities consistently face serious challenges, from population and job development to school staff recruitment, to funding and loss of legislative representation.

RSA has become an insightful, powerful voice on your behalf at the state and regional levels. From systemic issues like funding and staffing to individual district challenges like enrollment loss and shared services, your RSA is proud to consistently provide knowledge, research, and the rural voice to our increasingly urban-centric state leadership.

Not only do we advocate on your behalf, but we also keep you informed throughout the year so that you’re always in-the-know.

RSA 2022-23 Legislative Priorities

Following a peer survey, RSA determined the top legislative priorities of rural school leaders. Responses were insightful and the results gave us with six key areas of concern to address.

RSA 2023 Legislative Testimony

RSA's Executive Director submitted written testimony and also appeared in person to share rural school concerns and make the case for additional educational funding and support.

The Forgotten Family Member

Created following a series of public forums, read the top ten challenges facing rural New York, as described by participants at the statewide rural issues forums, as well as suggested ways to help.

RSA Today Archives

Throughout the year, RSA publishes a member newsletter to highlight programs, topics, and opportunities of interest to rural school leaders, as well as share RSA's advocacy progress. View prior RSA Today issues here.