Interventionist. Developer. Coach.
Rural Schools Project founder Jonathan Sandlin partners directly with district leaders to design and implement systems, processes, and practices that strengthen leadership, elevate teacher development, and drive growth for all students. Jonathan is in his 21st year in public education, with the past decade focused on school administration and school improvement.
His experience includes:
• Elementary Classroom Teacher (including Special Education): 12 years
• Campus Administration: 3 years
• District Administration: 2 years
• State-Level Management and Specialization: 4 years
Jonathan’s career spans both large urban districts—such as San Antonio ISD—and rural or remote districts including Plainview ISD and Gallup-McKinley County Schools in New Mexico. He spent several years with the Texas Education Agency providing school improvement support and leadership coaching to more than 100 school districts. Jonathan also served on the leadership team that, in partnership with Paul Bambrick-Santoyo, transformed one of the lowest-performing districts in the nation into the second-highest-performing district in New Mexico. His expertise includes system development, curriculum and instruction, assessment, instructional coaching, vision-setting, data analysis, and teacher hiring and retention. A product of Jim Ned ISD and currently living in Cameron, Tx, both rural districts, and having worked with dozens across the state, he has a passion and unique perspective in supporting rural districts in best practices that drive student growth.
Our Vision and Mission
Who We Are
Rural Schools Project is dedicated to helping all students, teachers, and leaders reach their highest achievements in rural public schools.
Our goal is to provide support that addresses the unique challenges in rural public schools and empower leaders to implement sustainable best practices to grow all students.
A Business Design Built With Rural Districts In Mind
Everything from cost to resources to a cap on the number of districts Rural Schools Project supports is considered in alignment with rural district needs and challenges. Watch the video to hear more details about:
* Fees determined by district budgets
* District-owned and customizable resources
* No cost trial to ensure our work is centered with district priorities
*Support within the capacity of rural district leadership
How We Do It
Hear one example of how Rural Schools Project individualizes support to the unique challenges of small enrollment districts and the purpose behind the design.
What Others Say
"Mr. Sandlin went above and beyond to not only explain changes that we needed to make, but he provided us concrete methodologies and guidance through those idea to support our collective efforts. Through the entire process, Mr. Sandlin was upfront, honest, and willing to provide us the support we needed to achieve the goals we collaboratively created." - Rochelle ISD
"Mr. Sandlin brought a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach to system review and improvement. He was responsive, efficient, and thoughtful in analyzing processes and providing actionable feedback and documentation to strengthen areas in need of reinforcement. His professionalism and ability to engage stakeholders at all levels were evident throughout our work together." - Navasota ISD
"We are grateful for the consistent guidance and support Mr. Sandlin provided to our district. His accessibility, clarity in explaining requirements, and timely feedback were instrumental in ensuring accuracy and adherence to all compliance standards. Mr. Sandlin’s support has greatly strengthened our confidence and the quality of the work we do for students each day." - Port Arthur ISD
"Jonathan proved to be both knowledgable and approachable, well prepared, asked thoughtful questions, and clearly understood the unique needs and compliance requirements of our school district. His work reflected genuine respect for public education and the role school districts play in serving their communities." - Columbia-Brazoria ISD
Mr. Sandlin's Houston ISD Support - Houston Chronicle Article
Read it here: HISD reduces abuse of graduation committees under state plan
Join Our Work
Let Us Partner With Your District
District leadership brings the daily perpective from the field. Rural Schools Project brings the tools and support. Together, we can create sustainable change that prioritizes the needs of rural school staff and students.