Analysts ask PED to reconsider some cuts

Letter accuses state of holding back $10M for the K-3 Plus program

SANTA FE — Two top legislative staffers have asked the state Public Education Department to consider boosting the funding available for a summer program that helps students at high-poverty or low-performing elementary schools.

The state appears to be holding back more money than it needs for next summer’s programs, they said, while the money could help offset the cuts imposed this year.

The Public Education Department, in turn, quickly shot down the criticism and says it’s simply operating within the budget approved by state lawmakers.

“This so-called proposal kicks the can down the road,” PED spokeswoman Lida Alikhani said. “We’re not willing to gamble at the expense of our students.”

The back-and-forth came after David Abbey, director of the Legislative Finance Committee, and Rachel Gudgel, director of the Legislative Education Study Committee, sent a letter to the PED this week.

Abbey and Gudgel lead teams of employees charged with providing objective analysis for the Legislature.

Their letter focuses on “K-3 Plus” — a program that adds five weeks to the school year to help students in kindergarten through third grade boost their math and reading skills.

Abbey and Gudgel said the state is holding back about $10 million to help pay for next summer’s K-3 Plus program — more than necessary, they argue, especially when cuts are being imposed now.

The cut is particularly acute, they said, at Columbus Elementary School in the Deming district.

“We find it disconcerting that one of the poorest communities in the state has received the largest percentage reduction in its K-3 Plus budget, despite measurable achievements and strong program execution,” Abbey and Gudgel wrote.

Alikhani, in turn, said the PED will “continue to do everything we can to make the program available to as many students as possible as our Legislature-determined budget and budget flexibility allows.”