Information about how Arcola citizens felt about their public education system was obtained through phone interviews with 271 adults. Arcola was chosen because its small population (2,600 residents), its concern for the quality of education, and its economic base (farming) made it typical of a rural community in central and southern Illinois. Phone data indicated that the residents had six major concerns: school discipline; curriculum, especially career education and the teaching of basic subjects; communication among school administrators and the community; the Teacher Association's effect on the quality of education; finances; and how the school system could better serve the community. Two public forums were held to discuss these six concerns and any others which arose at the meetings. At both forums, three panelists representing the School Board, the Citizens' Advisory Committee and the Teachers' Association reacted to the data gathered. Audiences completed evaluation questionnaires following each forum. Findings included: 67% believed the quality of their public education was good or very good; 59% felt the School Board effectively represented the community's interests and viewpoints; 78% felt stricter discipline should be enforced in the schools; 84% agreed more time should be spent in teaching the basic skills; 31% felt that using a property tax to fund public education was unfair; 14% felt that effectiveness would be improved if more community input was incorporated in Board decisions. (NQ)