SACRAMENTO – Today, I am pleased to announce Assembly Bill (AB) 715, a groundbreaking legislative proposal
aimed at establishing a Rural Education Task Force in California, has received resounding support from the California
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond.

AB 715, authored by myself, Vice Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, seeks to address the formidable challenges faced by our state’s rural schools, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we all recognize, the pandemic has had a profound impact on our education system, with long-lasting repercussions for student learning, staffing, and safety protocols. However, these effects have been acutely felt in our rural areas, necessitating a focused and tailored approach to their recovery.

The support letter from Superintendent Tony Thurmond serves as a resounding endorsement of the significance of AB
715. His acknowledgment of the unique challenges faced by our rural school districts reinforces the urgent need to
establish the Rural Education Task Force. This task force will provide a crucial platform for experts, educators, and stakeholders to come together, share their experiences, and collaborate on innovative solutions to uplift rural education in California.

The endorsement from Superintendent Thurmond is a testament to the importance of AB 715 and reflects the shared commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities for all students across our diverse state. I extend my deepest gratitude to Superintendent Thurmond for his invaluable support and recognition of the vital role the Rural Education Task Force will play in driving positive change.

As we celebrate this momentous achievement, I encourage all Californians to join us in advocating for the passage of AB 715. Together, we can lay the foundation for a brighter future for our rural schools, ensuring that every student, regardless of their geographic location, has access to a high-quality education.

Assemblywoman Megan Dahle represents the 1st Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of El Dorado and Placer counties, along with Alpine, Amador, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou counties.

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