Rural and low-income schools

The State of New Mexico Public Education Department received a $2,951,173 formula grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Rural Education program (CFDA 84.358) for the period of July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award supports the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program, which provides financial assistance to rural school districts to improve the quality of teaching and learning. As the State Educational Agency (SEA), New Mexico distributes these funds to eligible Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) within the state on either a formula or competitive basis.

The grant enables eligible LEAs—those serving areas where at least 20 percent of school children ages 5-17 live below the poverty line and where schools meet specified rural designations—to carry out activities that enhance educational resources, infrastructure, and instructional capabilities. The RLIS program targets the unique challenges of rural and economically disadvantaged school districts, supporting them in improving educational outcomes for their student populations. The State of New Mexico Public Education Department systematically administers these subgrants to local educational agencies and school districts throughout the state.