Rural communities and rural schools possess unique assets.

Rural communities and rural school districts also face a range of challenges that might best be classified in two broad categories: isolation and limited scale.

Negative perceptions about education and community vitality in rural America and Appalachian Kentucky are rooted in a lack of knowledge about the region(s) and school systems. These negative perceptions often originate from sources more interested in admiring a problem rather than achieving a solution. 

Our analysis of data and daily interactions with communities and schools leads us to conclude that rural regions of the country and Appalachian Kentucky in particular have reached a tipping point that has been decades in the making. Concerted action must be taken to reverse negative trends and build a healthy sustainable future.

We recognize the urgency of the moment and feel a compelling need to act. We believe untapped physical, fiscal and human resources exist and can be elements of a strategic effort to deliberately and dramatically shift the trajectory.

Leaders and community members in rural America are united by a fierce belief in "place and people" and their ability to play a significant role in education, economic development and community vitality. In the face of very really challenges, these regional leaders choose to leverage strategies that can positively impact the future through a lens of abundance versus scarcity - and equity versus equality.

We understand this effort is not for the faint of heart but are secure in the belief it is imperative for rural America and Appalachia that we invest in efforts to retain our talented young people, increase our ability to provide equitable, high- quality learning opportunities for all learners, contribute to economic development and community vitality.

We believe in the good minds and leadership capabilities of people committed to revitalizing East Kentucky and rural communities across the country. They will reveal what is possible for rural communities and make a way forward.

This call to action is a beginning to develop a more intentional, transparent strategy for rural development by strengthening education to enhance economic vitality, local agency, quality of life and community sustainability.