Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code.

In Wisconsin, just 76 percent of eligible school districts offered classes in 2004-2005, down from 85 percent the year before, according to Randall R. Thiel, alcohol traffic safety consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Ms. Frega said the Education Department was pleased, but not particularly surprised, that 161 of the 164 eligible school districts decided to participate in the program.

But within those categories, the 118 school districts and 17 charter schools eligible for the money will have to compete for it, he said.

Many eligible school districts never applied for aid, though.