Statewide Hearings Set For Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006

SANTA FE, NM, October 9, 2007--- Educators, administrators, parents, employers and other community members are invited to participate in discussions on New Mexico’s State Plan for the implementation of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Improvement Act of 2006 (Perkins IV). The purpose of Perkins IV is to assist students in preparation for high skill, high wage, and high demand occupations.

Three regional public hearings are scheduled during mid October from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Specific locations will be available at: http://www.gotoaconference.com/nmfirst/.

The schedule is:
Farmington: October 15, 2007, San Juan Community College
Alamogordo: October 16, 2007, NMSU-Alamogordo
Albuquerque: October 17, 2007, CNM Workforce Training Center

Participants will learn how this grant impacts New Mexico’s technological and career advancement within the public school system statewide, including probable impacts on students in all regions. Participants will also have the opportunity to produce concrete, specific recommendations on this state plan and address concerns.

New Mexico First, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to engaging citizens in policy discussions, is facilitating the hearings. Participants are requested to register at http://www.gotoaconference.com/nmfirst/.

For more information, contact Heather Balas, New Mexico First President at 505.241.4815, heatherb@nmfirst.org or Jacey Blue Campbell, New Mexico First Program Coordinator at 505.241.4814, jaceyc@nmfirst.org.