SPOTLIGHTING EXCELLENCE: SAU 20 Helps Rural Students Chart Their Own Course for Success

The path from a rural school district to career success takes family partnerships, personalization, a strategic approach, and expert guidance.

“Our students are amazing. They have so many skills they bring to the table,” SAU 20 Superintendent David Backler told members of the state Board of Education during their monthly meeting in Concord on Oct. 8. “We need to show them opportunities beyond their rural community but also show them skills to bring back to their rural community.”

SAU 20’s effort starts with helping students in rural Coös County identify what success means for them after graduation and supporting them into their early professional careers.

“When you’re working with a third grader, you’re not just making sure their reading scores are strong,” Superintendent Backler said. “You’re making sure they have agency and are working toward outcomes that they see as important.”

School counselors work continuously to align student interests with academic and career pathways. Work and education paths are not mutually exclusive; students may find significant value in attending both Advanced Placement classes and Career and Technical Education courses at the same time.

This means students can chart a course toward high-paying, high-demand local jobs upon graduation. That path is no less challenging; Superintendent Backler said a technical apprenticeship may take 8,000 hours to complete, while a four-year college degree takes roughly 5,600.

By educating the whole child, the District offers what Superintendent Backler calls the “glue” that keeps students motivated and moving toward success after graduation.

Another component is “Rural to R1” – R1 being the designation for doctoral research universities. The program includes tours at the University of New Hampshire, where students meet faculty, staff, and mentors from rural communities who have found their future in a challenging educational setting.

UNH also helps students build financial literacy, connects them with rural alumni mentors and encourages a growth mindset. As a result, students’ futures become clearer.

“Rural students deserve world-class opportunities,” Superintendent Backler said. “It’s helping them see they don’t have impostor syndrome. They really do belong.”

“Designing an engaging, personalized, and meaningful education and growth journey for each child is a powerful mission. All of the professionals at SAU 20 are not only expertly guiding the students in their classrooms now, but they’re also thoughtfully investing in each student’s future opportunities and successes,” said NHSAA Director Dr. Mark MacLean. “SAU 20’s initiative is an example of the great work happening in public schools and learning communities across the state.” 

The presentation may be viewed here.