State education chief presses reading and math investments, proposes large expansion for struggling readers

Doctor Mackey presented K–12 budget priorities to the Education Trust Fund committee, centering literacy, numeracy and supports for struggling readers. He said the department asked for roughly $50–55 million to expand the 'struggling readers beyond grade 3' grant program to reach more schools; the governor included about $48 million in a supplemental budget, according to testimony.

Mackey described the program’s three components: continuing services for students promoted via good‑cause exemptions or special plans, interventions for students who test at the margin of proficiency, and teacher/content reading supports so middle‑ and high‑school instructors can teach grade‑level content. He said grants fund site plans and may pay for certified reading specialists or interventionists depending on local need.

The department also highlighted K–3 reading coaches, the Numeracy Act (funded to add coaches), and other interventions. On support services, Mackey said state funding provides at least one mental‑health coordinator per district at approximately $40,000 per coordinator, and noted that districts often supplement state funding.

Committee members asked for percentage and scope clarifications (for example, how many schools reached 100% third‑grade reading proficiency and what percent of schools receive coaches). Mackey said about 5% of schools achieved 100% third‑grade proficiency and that roughly 250 schools qualify to receive a reading coach under current rules; he offered to return with additional breakdowns and to run specific counts on coach needs and other program scaling questions.