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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 1998

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Conference of Black Mayors has endorsed a major initiative to provide federal funding for school modernization by urging Congress to approve legislation to help cities fix aging school buildings and build new ones.

Citing crumbling buildings, soaring enrollments and demands for new technology, the black mayors at their annual convention in New Orleans called on Congress to support the Public School Modernization Act. The proposal, now pending in the House and Senate, would generate $22 billion over five years through federal tax credits on school construction bonds to help cities and school districts repair safety problems, build new schools and equip classrooms with the latest technology.

By calling for congressional action, the black mayors joined the National Education Association (NEA) and other national school groups in seeking help for states and localities struggling to improve their schools. A recent U.S. General Accounting Office study and other sources estimated the nationwide price tag for school building repairs, new schools and technological improvements at more than $200 billion.

"In large cities and small towns alike, mayors are coping with aging school buildings and overcrowded classrooms," said NEA President Bob Chase. "This school building crisis is a national disgrace and deserves a national response."

In a nationwide poll earlier this year, 75 percent of Americans favored increased federal funds for public schools and 70 percent considered school construction and renovation a budget priority.

"Like the mayors, the American people place a high priority on upgrading the nation's public schools," Chase said. "It's time for Congress to help these mayors address the problem."

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support personnel, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.