06/18/2026
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR'S ARTICLE | June 17, 2027
When people think about poverty, they often picture a crowded suburban neighborhood or highly visible signs of economic hardship in a busy urban downtown. In rural communities, like the four communities in River Valley, poverty is often much harder to see. Families facing financial challenges may live next door to families who are thriving, making economic struggles less visible and, at times, underreported. A reluctance to ask for assistance can make it difficult for community members to fully understand the extent of need that exists within our own schools and neighborhoods.
The River Valley School District serves a community of approximately 8,976 residents (reported by the National Center for Education Statistics). While our community enjoys many strengths, including a strong work ethic and high levels of workforce participation, data indicates that some families continue to face significant economic challenges.
Approximately 33% of River Valley students qualify for free or reduced price meals, a commonly used indicator of economic need within schools. At the same time, roughly 92% of parents are participating in the labor force, demonstrating that many families experiencing financial hardship are working families. This is a startling fact when you analyze that people are clearly trying, and still are clearly struggling. Approximately 7% of local families live below the federal poverty level, and nearly 10% receive FoodShare/SNAP benefits to help meet basic food needs.
River Valley’s experience mirrors broader regional trends. According to recent census data,approximately 8.1% of residents in Sauk and Iowa Counties live below the poverty line, while Richland County’s poverty rate is approximately 14.5%, among the highest in southwest Wisconsin. Statewide, Wisconsin’s poverty rate is approximately 10.3%.
These numbers remind us that poverty is not always visible. Many local families facing financial challenges are working hard every day, contributing to our community, and doing everything
possible to provide for their children. Rural poverty often exists behind closed doors and can go unnoticed by those who are fortunate enough not to experience it firsthand.
In the next article, I will offer six ways community members can help a local family through River Valley School District initiatives. And, if you are a family that needs assistance, please reach out to any of our school buildings–we are here to help.
Sincerely,
Loren Glasbrenner, District Administrator
River Valley School District