Minnesota: The Center for Rural Policy and Development has released a report called, “A Region Apart: A look at challenges and strategies for rural k-12 schools.” The report concludes that a collaborative approach between rural schools is much more beneficial than school consolidation, transportation funding needs to change to reflect the high fuel costs, and online professional learning communities should be created to help rural educators share best practices and reduce the feeling of isolation.

 

Montana: The Horizons Program’s 2nd annual Rural Community Conference was held on Montana State University’s campus. About 235 people attended, from rural communities of fewer than 5,000 people with poverty rates greater than 10 percent. Among the issues covered were how to engage a community, how to get grants and donations, and how to address housing issues and community food systems.

 

Nebraska: American Public Media reported on the successful efforts of the town of Ord to market itself. (Listen to the story here.) The small town has become a tourism destination with attractions like its natural beauty, local wineries, and the town’s historic square and fort. Ord has also launched efforts to attract new residents and businesses. Incentives, like the leasing of land for just a dollar an acre, woo new businesses, and a marketing network of e-mail newsletters, a blog, and Facebook page help draw new and returning residents.

 

Contact: Casey Francis, caseyf@cfra.org with questions or to suggest Across the Nation items.