Our mission is to advocate for and support the public schools of Appalachia Ohio in the continuous improvement of educational opportunities available to all the region’s children. This statement of mission acknowledges that the region’s public schools are an integral part of the public education system for Ohio and that the Coalition may support and join with similar efforts throughout the state to improve the educational opportunities for all children.
CORAS is under the governance structure of a Regional Council of Governments and is funded through membership dues and partnership support from the Ohio University Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education.
The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS), is a professional development and advocacy organization composed of member superintendents from 120 school districts and other educational institutions in Ohio’s 32 Appalachian counties, from the shores of Lake Erie to the suburbs of Cincinnati, across 39% of the state’s footprint. Despite the unique disparities we face, we strive to make a positive difference in our communities by improving the quality of our educational systems.
School districts in counties neighboring Appalachia, institutions of higher education, and related organizations may become members of the Coalition. CORAS is under the governance structure of a Regional Council of Governments and is funded through membership dues and partnership support from the Ohio University Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education.
Organization Goals
Seek
equity in Ohio’s system of school funding and adequacy of educational opportunity for all of Ohio’s children.
Support
the continuous development of educational leaders throughout the region’s public school systems.
Identify
and analyze policy issues that impact the effectiveness, strength, and character of the public school system and to formulate and communicate position statements in response to these issues.
Sponsor
and promote the use of research and to share successful practices for improving educational opportunities for all children in the CORAS region.
Legislative Priorities
2023-2024
Early Childhood Education
Co-Chaired by Mr. Will Hampton, Alexander Local Superintendent and Mr. Monte Bainter, Logan Hocking Local Superintendent.
Fair School Funding Formula and Rural Transportation Funding
Fair School Funding Formula arm is Co-Chaired by Mr. Ira Wentworth, Indian Valley Superintendent and Mr. Adam Pittis, Collins CTC Superintendent; Rural Transportation arm is Co-Chaired by Mr. Doug Hale, Chesapeake Union Exempted Village Superintendent and Mr. Chuck Rinkes, Riverview Local Superintendent.
Rural Facilities
Co-Chaired by Mr. Pete Ruby, Huntington Local Superintendent and Mr. Kevin Smith, Crooksville Exempted Village Superintendent.
Mental, Behavioral, and Telehealth
Co-Chaired by Mr. T.C. Chappelear, Indian Creek Local School Superintendent and Dr. Stephanie Starcher, Fort Frye Local Superintendent.
Teacher Workforce
Co-Chairs coming soon.
Ad Hoc Committees on Broadband and College Credit Plus
Co-Chairs coming soon.