About Us

The Colorado Rural Schools Alliance was formed in 2003 by rural superintendents and school board members committed to strengthening the rural voice at the Capitol. At the outset, the Alliance relied on the Colorado Association of School Boards for operational and organizational support. In 2013, the Alliance Board established a separate non-profit organization and began its work towards developing a robust, multi-dimensional association to focus on the interests of rural school districts while building partnerships and doubling down on advocacy for Colorado’s rural students and schools.

From the start, the goal was to be the collective voice for rural school districts in Colorado. By speaking as one and presenting a clear, unified voice on behalf of rural schools and their communities, the CRSA has clearly articulated our unique strengths and opportunities to our state’s legislature and beyond. Issues that are important to small schools and communities have been and continue to be voiced loudly and clearly to the governor, legislators, the CDE and the state board of education, and others who make decisions affecting our school systems and students.

Policy makers turn to the Colorado Rural Schools Alliance for advice and guidance on the potential impact of legislation and policies affecting rural school districts. Our members actively serve on state boards and committees and the CRSA’s input and advisory has led to the creation of bills and policies that directly benefit rural schools and led to the defeat of others that would have put rural school districts at a disadvantage.