NEA applauds congressional approval of Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act

The United States Congress has passed the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act, which renews funding for rural counties to support school resources, road maintenance, wildfire mitigation, public safety, and other essential needs. This legislation will provide financial assistance through Fiscal Year 2026.

Rural schools educate about 20 percent of public school students in the country. More than 7 million students attend schools in rural districts, with an additional 2.5 million attending rural schools outside Census Bureau-designated rural districts. These institutions serve as community centers where educators, families, and neighbors gather.

Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association (NEA), said: “Every student in this country, regardless of ZIP code, should have access to strong opportunities and adequate resources.”

Congress has historically renewed the Secure Rural Schools Act with bipartisan support. The previous reauthorization expired at the end of Fiscal Year 2023. The new legislation extends funding until Fiscal Year 2026.

Pringle added: “Our kids deserve rich and varied curricula. They need science labs and music. They need sports and art. And in a nation where one in five public school students attend a rural school, we need the Secure Rural Schools Act to ensure every public school student has what they need to learn and thrive.”

Rural communities face unique challenges due to educator shortages that are more pronounced than in other areas because of lower salaries and working conditions that make recruitment difficult. School districts often represent the largest employers in these communities; thus, any shortage impacts local economies significantly. The Secure Rural Schools Act is intended to strengthen both educational staffing and broader community infrastructure.

“I am thankful to every Member of Congress who stood up for America’s students and educators and championed this critical legislation. The bipartisan support – which will be needed again next year – will result in direct support to providing students, regardless of where they live, a well-rounded and robust education that inspires them, sparks their curiosity, and prepares them for the future,” said Pringle.

The NEA represents nearly three million teachers and education professionals nationwide.