The Rural Schools Task Force (RSTF) was formed at the request of Commissioner of Education, Mike Morath, to identify current challenges and best practices for rural school districts statewide and develop recommendations for the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that would support rural schools and districts in overcoming obstacles and meeting the needs of Texas rural students. The Task Force identified four priority issues: teacher recruitment, teacher retention, House Bill 5/career and technical education (CTE) support, and grants and contracts. The recommendations for these issues, as well as some general recommendations, provide substantial leverage for supporting the pressing needs of rural schools and districts.