Rural and low-income schools

The Arizona Department of Education received a formula grant award of $2,857,872 from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Rural Education program (CFDA 84.358) for the period of July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award supports the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program, which provides financial assistance to rural school districts to improve the quality of teaching and learning. As the designated State Educational Agency (SEA), Arizona Department of Education administers these funds through formula-based allocations and competitive or formula-based subgrants to eligible Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) that meet specific rural and low-income criteria.

The grant enables the Arizona Department of Education to distribute federal resources to over 100 local educational agencies, charter schools, and educational service providers throughout Arizona. Eligible LEAs receiving subgrants must have at least 20 percent of school-age children from families below the poverty line and operate schools designated as rural by the National Center for Education Statistics. The awarded funds support activities designed to enhance educational resources, infrastructure, instructional capabilities, and the overall quality of teaching and learning in rural communities across the state, with a required performance period of approximately 120 days and comprehensive record-keeping requirements for three years post-completion.