NEWS RELEASE: Public Education Department sets FY 2026 budget request

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

New Mexico Public Education Department

Janelle Taylor García, Ph.D., janelle.garcia@ped.nm.gov , 505-709-5543

December 11, 2024

Public Education Department sets FY 2026 budget request

$5.5 billion request focuses on learning, attendance, graduation and operations

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Education Department’s (PED) Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget request aims to improve academic performance and school attendance, boost graduation rates and expand the agency’s Healthy Universal Meals program.

“The PED’s FY26 budget request seeks to accelerate the work being done to improve student achievement,” said Public Education Secretary-Designate Mariana D. Padilla.

The proposed budget, which totals nearly $5.5 billion, would increase funding for key initiatives proven to enhance student outcomes, including literacy and reading support, math and science proficiency, and career technical education (CTE) programs.

The agency’s request includes $52.6 million for literacy programs and support, including:

$30 million for the Summer Reading Program, a high-impact tutoring model that provides students with personalized literacy instruction during non-school months.

$17.6 million to expand structured literacy training through LETRS, which provides PreK–third grade educators with a deeper understanding of the science of reading and evidence-based strategies to support all students.

$5 million for secondary literacy support.

$9.5 million is requested to help improve attendance, including:

$6 million (an increase of $1 million from the current year’s appropriation) to provide grants in support of innovative attendance initiatives.

$3.5 million to support behavioral health and to reduce suspensions and expulsions.

The PED is also requesting $79.5 million for programs to improve the state graduation rate. This includes support for career technical education programs, which have had a positive impact on graduation rates (CTE concentrators graduate at a rate of 97%). The PED’s request includes:

$41.5 million for career connected learning.

$20 million for out-of-school time enrichment programs and high-impact tutoring.

$10 million for school improvement and transformation programs.

$8 million for community schools.

The PED also seeks to build on the success of the state’s teacher residency programs. Enrollment increased from fewer than 40 teacher residency participants to almost 300 between SY22-23 and SY23-24. The PED is requesting a total of $52.3 million to enhance the state’s educator ecosystem, including:

$20 million for Educator Fellows, a two-year program for individuals with a high school diploma who are aspiring to become a certified educator.

$20 million for educator clinical practice.

$2.3 million for educator preparation, induction and evaluation programs.

$10 million for professional development for teachers, principals and superintendents.

$50 million is proposed for the Indian Education Fund. These recurring funds support public schools serving Native American students and aim to improve educational outcomes by providing increased funding for supplementary educational services, such as out-of-school time opportunities, tutoring and language programs. Pueblos, tribes and nations and are able to direct these funds as they see fit.

Additionally, the agency is requesting $12.4 million for mathematics and STEM programs, $5 million for high-quality instructional materials and $68.9 million for student nutrition and wellness, including Universal Free Meals and NM Grown Meals.

Padilla said, “We’re making steady progress in improving the education of New Mexico students, and the additional investments proposed in our budget will help improve student learning and better prepare them for the future.”

The PED will present their budget request to the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.

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The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities and families to ensure that all students are healthy, secure in their identity and holistically prepared for college, career and life. Currently, NMPED serves about 320,000 students in 189 districts and charter schools. Find an abundance of resources for administrators, educators, families and students at New Mexico Public Education Department (state.nm.us) or follow the NMPED on Facebook and Instagram .

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