𝟏𝟒𝟔 | 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with David Little, Executive Director of the Rural Schools Association of New York State (RSA-NY), to unpack the policy realities shaping rural education. With more than four decades of experience in state government and education advocacy, David brings a rare insider perspective on how legislation is crafted—and how rural schools are often overlooked in the process. He shares how RSA translates the concerns of small districts into meaningful advocacy in Albany, and why New York’s current funding structures are failing rural communities. The conversation explores foundation aid, student mental health, special education identification rates, unfunded mandates, zero-emission bus timelines, school resource officer funding, and the political dynamics that shape state education budgets. At the center of it all is a powerful idea borrowed from 2018 National Rural Teacher of the Year Wade Alette: the hard work of staying—the reality facing rural communities that remain resilient despite economic and demographic challenges. David offers both a candid assessment of the current funding crisis and actionable strategies for rural leaders to advocate effectively. This episode is a masterclass in connecting policy to practice—and a call to action for lawmakers and communities alike. 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬: 00:00 Rural Schools Front and Center 01:52 From Albany Counsel to Rural Advocate 03:52 What Counts as ‘Rural’? 05:04 Home Rule, State Power 08:44 When One-Size-Fits-All Policy Breaks: 11:45 ‘I’m From New York 12:48 Turning Superintendent Calls into Action: 15:23 Funding by Headcount vs. Student Need 18:30 Staffing Shortages and the Limits of Shared Services (BOCES) 19:47 Mandates Collide with Reality 27:56 What Lawmakers Must Hear 30:37 School Safety Costs in Rural Districts 32:28 Why 911 Can’t Save You in Time 33:12 Funding School Resource Officers & Sharing Services 34:30 How NY’s Budget Process Limits the Legislature 40:33 Action Steps for Rural Advocacy 42:26 Make Them Care 49:03 What’s Next for RSA 52:37 Defining the Rural Advantage 56:56 Reconnecting Leaders 58:57 Your Next Move + Subscribe & Share 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: This episode is both a reality check and a roadmap. David Little makes it clear: rural schools are not asking for special treatment—they are asking for equitable treatment grounded in student need rather than outdated enrollment formulas. At a time when New York is implementing transformative reforms like Portrait of a Graduate, the state stands at a pivotal moment. Without adequate funding and thoughtful policy adjustments, even the most promising initiatives will falter. “The hard work of staying” is more than a phrase—it is a daily commitment made by rural families, educators, and communities who continue to invest in their schools despite economic strain and demographic shifts. The path forward requires political courage, informed advocacy, and community engagement. As David reminds us, policymakers may hear advocates—but they must also hear from constituents. Because in the end, people only protect what they understand—and only fund what they prioritize. For rural leaders, the message is clear: connect, communicate, and act. 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞: © 2026 Melissa Sadorf / The Rural Scoop. All rights reserved. The content of The Rural Scoop, including podcast episodes, audio recordings, transcripts, show notes, graphics, and other original materials, is protected by copyright. No portion of this content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Brief quotations or other uses may be permitted under applicable fair-use principles. For permission requests, please contact: Dr. Melissa Sadorf Email: [email protected] Phone: (520) 266-0081