IROQUOIS COUNTY, IL, January 22, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- As national headlines focus on teacher shortages, academic recovery, and education reform, Superintendent Andrew Jordan is shining a light on how these issues are hitting hardest in small towns across Illinois.

"Policy gets made in Springfield, but the impact is felt in places like Stockton and other rural schools across the state of Illinois," Jordan says. "We have to solve problems with fewer people, smaller budgets, and limited resources. And yet the expectations are just as high if not higher."

Jordan, recently profiled for his hands-on leadership style, has turned around underused spaces, secured over $270,000 in grant funding, and led programmes that raised student achievement. But he warns that these solutions are only scratching the surface unless more local action is taken.

"We didn't wait to update our library once we recognized we were under utilizing the space. We started with furniture design and a coat of paint," Jordan says. "Then we wrote the grant and got our staff and stakeholders on board. That's how change works out here."

Regional Education Challenges: Rural Numbers Tell the Story
Illinois ranks 23rd in the U.S. for per-student spending, but many rural schools fall well below the state average.

In Iroquois County, nearly 60% of students are considered low-income.

According to ISBE, over 40% of rural schools in Illinois report not having access to full-time tutoring or enrichment support.

Rural districts are 2x more likely to experience long-term teacher vacancies compared to suburban districts.

Many rural schools, including Jordan's, serve communities where access to high-speed internet remains unreliable along with recruiting staff members, affecting online tools and resources.

"Every stat like that represents a kid who's not getting what they need. That's what keeps me up at night," Jordan says.

Local Action List: 10 Things You Can Do This Week
Volunteer for One Hour at a local school—reading groups, supervision, or clerical help makes a difference.

Donate Supplies to a teacher wish list. Even basic items like tissues, markers, or snacks go a long way.

Host a Community Event to fundraise for enrichment activities—Jordan's 3-on-3 tournament raised over $50,000 this way.

Write a Letter to your local charity organizations like the Elks Lodge or Masonic Lodge or state rep about rural school needs.

Check in with Teachers—ask how parents or local groups can support them.

Organise a Shared Transport Option for students or families facing transportation barriers.

Repurpose an Unused Space in your building, business, or church into a tutoring or meeting space.

Start a Local Podcast or Facebook Page sharing good news and needs from area schools.

Support a Student Group by attending events, buying fundraiser items, or helping with logistics.

Invite Local Leaders to Visit Schools and see what's working—and what's not.

"You don't have to fix the whole system," Jordan says. "You just have to move one piece forward. And every year you repeat the process and continue to move the school forward."

Take One Step Today
Jordan's message is clear: "If you care about kids, don't wait. You don't need a degree, a title, or a perfect plan. Just show up."

As rural schools face growing pressure, small towns across Illinois can lead by example. It starts with one volunteer hour, one grant application, one repurposed classroom.

Make today the day you move one piece forward.

Andrew Jordan is serving as a Superintendent and a former Illinois Principal of the Year in rural Illinois. He has led multiple school improvement efforts, secured over $270,000 in grant funding, and serves on state education committees including the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program. Based in rural Illinois, he is known for turning small ideas into lasting impact.

# # #