All Three Gallup McKinley County School Closures Target Navajo Students

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »


WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA – Gallup McKinley County School Board voted in May to close middle schools in Crownpoint, Tohatchi and Navajo on the Navajo reservation. The board cited budget constraints forced the closure of the schools.

President Shelly Before the Gallup McKinley County School Board Last MayPresident Shelly Before the Gallup McKinley County
School Board in May

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly sent a letter to the New Mexico education secretary stating the Gallup McKinley County School board violated state and federal laws when they approved a budget that would close three reservation schools.

“These significant violations of state and federal law make it impossible to approve the proposed operating budget,”

President Shelly wrote.

The letter, dated June 28, outlines eight different alleges that Gallup McKinley County School board violated including:

  1. Public School Finance Act,
  2. Indian Education Act,
  3. New Mexico Open Meetings Act,
  4. Individuals with Disabilities Act,
  5. Rehabilitation Act, and
  6. Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Parents and community members have voiced opposition to the closures stating that the school board didn't involve the community or parents in the decision process.

In addition, a school closure form that was sent to Secretary Skandera from Gallup McKinley County School Board indicated that the Navajo Nation was consulted regarding the school closures.

During a Monday night meeting with community members, President Shelly, Department of Diné Education members, and Legislative staff members, all denied that any official consultation had taken place regarding the decision of the school closures.

“There is much to be done to remediate the situation and allow for you to consider community input and consideration of other options to address the speculative shortfall for the next fiscal year,”

President Shelly wrote.

President Shelly added the possible closure of the schools could cost the school district federal money.

In a meeting last month, Secretary Skandera told President Shelly that she has to approve any closure of public schools in New Mexico.

posted July 5, 2012 9:50 am edt

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