Title V, Part B: Subpart 2: Rural and Low Income Schools
Forecasted
Title V, Part B: Subpart 2: Rural and Low Income Schools supports Illinois rural, low-income school districts with grants for initiatives aimed at improving student achievement.
Funder: Illinois State Board of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Annual ESEA program certification)
Funding Amounts: Federal formula grants; 95% for LEA grants and no more than 5% for state administration
Summary: Supports initiatives to improve student achievement in Illinois rural, low-income school districts.
Key Information: LEAs must meet both federal low-income and rural eligibility criteria and have an ISBE-approved Consolidated District Plan.
Description
The Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program provides federal formula grants to rural local education agencies (LEAs) for initiatives aimed at improving student achievement. In Illinois, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) administers the program through its Title Grant Administration Department under Title V, Part B, Subpart 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act.
The program directs financial assistance to school communities meeting both rural and low-income criteria. ISBE provides technical assistance to help districts implement programs aligned with U.S. Department of Education guidance. County-assigned principal consultants review and approve Title V-B applications, while the Consolidated District Plan connects district needs, goals, and planned activities with grant priorities.
