STERLING – State Rep. Mike Smiddy wants to arm himself with information straight from the people on the front lines of education.

Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is forming an educational advisory committee in Whiteside County to help him learn about the issues facing educators, students and schools in his district.

“I see it being a group that I can call on as a resource when there are issues in Springfield that will directly affect education,” he said. “I believe education is at the forefront of what Illinois is doing.”