SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler led a measure through the Senate to create the Rural Education Advisory Council.

“School districts in all corners of the state deserve the opportunity to discuss the unique challenges they face,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “Promoting local control for these schools allows them to create an efficient, more tailored education for their students.”

The Rural Education Advisory Council would create the opportunity for rural districts to discuss the specific needs and challenges they face within their schools. The council would then give feedback on critical issues facing rural communities and generate improvement ideas to the State Superintendent and the Illinois State Board of Education.

“Every school district is different and therefore has a unique set of needs,” said Koehler. “We must promote accurate representation to allow all schools to have the same opportunities.”

Senate Bill 1787 passed the Senate Thursday. It now heads to the full House for further consideration.