ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Acting Deputy Education Secretary Eugene Hickok today announced that New Mexico will receive more than $114 million to assist needy schools. The announcement was made with U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., while they toured Marie M. Hughes Elementary School in Albuquerque. Hickok also will speak at a "feria educativa," Spanish for "education fair," sponsored by a coalition of national organizations and the U.S. Department of Education through its Partners in Hispanic Education Initiative. In addition, Hickok will join U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M. and address the Character Counts Conference in Albuquerque as well.

The preliminary figures project that New Mexico's No Child Left Behind Title I funding allocation will increase from $103.2 million in 2003 to $114.1 million in 2004—an increase of $10.9 million or more than 10 percent. In addition, the Albuquerque Public School System, New Mexico's largest school district, will receive a funding increase of 10.7 percent—from $22.3 million to $24.7 million.

"There has been a record increase in federal taxpayer dollars going to American public schools since President Bush came to office," said Hickock. "The Albuquerque Public School district has received approximately 70% increase in Title I funds alone, since 2001. While these dollars will significantly impact New Mexico's education system, it's important to keep in mind that it's not resources that matter as much as results."

"We have increased funding for education and given much more flexibility to local schools to decide how to use those funds," Rep. Wilson said. "The emphasis is now on results: what matters is that students learn—not just 'on average,' but that every child gets the tools he or she needs to succeed in life."

Title I is designed to help disadvantaged children meet high academic standards. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, signed into law on Jan. 8, 2002, amended the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and provides support for federal education programs including Title I programs operated by school districts.

Under President Bush's proposed education budget, federal education funding for New Mexico will increase to $776.9 million—47 percent more than when he took office. In addition, New Mexico will receive $6.1 million to support students who are learning the English language and $4.6 million for annual assessments so all parents will know how well their children are learning and where they need improvement.

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