Section 22-8-43 - Public school reading proficiency fund; created. - New Mexico Statutes

22-8-43. Public school reading proficiency fund; created.

The "public school reading proficiency fund" is created in the state treasury.  The fund shall consist of appropriations, gifts, grants and donations.  The fund shall be administered by the department, and money in the fund is appropriated to the department to distribute awards to public middle, junior and senior high schools that implement innovative, scientifically based reading programs.  The department shall develop procedures and rules for the application and award of money from the fund, including criteria upon which to evaluate innovative, scientifically based reading programs.  Public schools receiving funds shall show evidence that they are using quality, scientifically based reading research to improve reading proficiency and shall develop individualized reading plans for students who fail to meet grade level reading proficiency standards.  Disbursements of the fund shall be made by warrant of the department of finance and administration pursuant to vouchers signed by the secretary or the secretary's authorized representative.  Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year shall not revert but shall remain to the credit of the fund.