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In this issue:
 • Independent/Parochial School Directory
 • Summary of NM’s 2006 Education Legislation
 • President’s Budget Proposal Includes School Choice

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Independent/Parochial School Directory Now On-line!
The January 2006 edition of "Independent & Parochial Schools of New Mexico" — published by Educate New Mexico — has been sent to nearly 100 independent and parochial schools across the state. Beginning this month, individuals applying for an ENM scholarship will also receive a copy of this directory to help them select a school that best fits their child.

This directory is now available on-line at www.educatenm.org. Just click on the "apple and book" icon on the left hand side of the page!

We see this as a valuable tool for parents. Remember, this is our first attempt so please be patient and PLEASE don’t hesitate to make us aware of any changes or additions you feel appropriate. We also want your suggestions on how to improve this tool for parents! Please e-mail any changes or suggestions to: tdwilli@educatenm.org .

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Summary of NM’s 2006 Education Legislation
The following is an initial summary of legislative action taken during New Mexico’s recently concluded 30-day session regarding education. We will inform you of any additions or changes to this summary when the dust settles and they become more clear.

A $5.1 billion state budget providing an 8.9 percent increase in spending on public education and general government. The budget includes:

     •  $90 million in capital outlay for new public schools in high-growth areas.
     •  Raises for teachers averaging 5% a year.
     •  A 9.5% raise for educational assistants.
     •  $8 million to expand the existing pre-kindergarten program.
     •  Expansion of breakfast programs to more schools.

In addition, revisions to state law providing charter schools with increased independence but heightened fiscal responsibility passed. Charter schools can now choose to operate under the state’s Public Education Department.

(Source: The Albuquerque Journal )

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Budget Proposal Gives School Choice a Chance
President George W. Bush’s 2007 budget includes $100 million for a program to help 25,000 low-income children transfer out of failing public schools. The federal government currently spends more than $66 BILLION per year on K–12 education. Capitol Hill is now set to become the next battleground in the fight to give parents greater control over their children’s education.

America’s Opportunity Scholarship for Kids would offer scholarships to children from low-income families: $4,000 to transfer out of a poorly performing public school and into a private school or $3,000 to be used for after-school tutoring.

Eligibility would be restricted to those children who attend a public school that has failed to meet adequate yearly progress goals for six years under No Child Left Behind. The Department of Education estimates that 2,000 schools may fit this description.

This initiative follows on the heels of the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship program, passed by Congress in 2004, which provides scholarships to low-income children in the nation’s capital. About 1,700 children participate in the D.C. voucher program, and just as many children are on the waiting list.

(Source: Dan Lips, The Heritage Foundation)

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