Rural schools make up 28% of all schools in the United States, serving over 9 million students (NCES, 2018; Thomas, 2023). Addressing the unique cost drivers, service gaps, and funding disparities between rural and nonrural districts is crucial to ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students. Rural school districts in the U.S. face unique challenges in managing their education budgets. Limited local revenue sources, higher transportation costs, and the need to serve smaller student populations with a wide range of services create significant financial pressures. Overcoming these challenges requires innovative budgeting strategies at the federal, state, and local levels, along with active community involvement, to ensure that all students receive a quality education. This report, developed by the Center for Public Education, seeks to identify the financial challenges and priorities of rural schools. It aims to inform education leaders about policies and funding strategies that promote educational equity and support the long-term success of students in rural communities.