Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among American youth aged 5-24, and small and rural school districts must recognize and address this growing phenomenon. A survey of 462 Illinois principals reported 133 student suicides during the 5-year study period. Small school districts comprised 6 percent of Illinois school districts yet reported 29 percent of student suicides. Rural districts, a subcategory of small districts, represented 3 percent of school districts but reported 18 percent of student suicides. The staff most involved with student suicides had the least training, and small and rural districts were the least likely to have formal policies concerning suicides. Seven lawsuits related to suicides were filed against schools; the results were unfavorable to the schools on five occasions. The most common criticisms of schools in these cases were failure to refer troubled students for counseling prior to the death and lack of parental notification of their child's suicide ideations. Nine relevant legal principles are summarized, based on an analysis of case law. Recommendations include openly recognizing the problem, gathering resources and information, and promulgating a district policy on student suicide. Three Web sites provide references, resources, and program ideas. (TD)