Tracey and Tim welcome Wes Brownfield, Executive Director of the Arizona Rural Schools Association, to the show today. They talk about the challenges for these areas whether it be economic, geographical, technological or organizational. Tracey also discusses the qualities and lessons that can be taken from tight knit rural schools and communities that can be used in more urban areas. Wes stresses the incredible importance of schools to individual students, their families and the fabric of the surrounding population. He also explains an amazing initiative his organization is working on called The Final Mile Project, bringing quality affordable internet to families’ homes around their school. This was jumpstarted in the early days of the pandemic, but its benefits stretch far beyond kids and their schoolwork. All of this shines a light on School Connect and how they are using the success they have had in urban areas to start building strategic relationships with rural school district leaders and the communities they serve.

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